A young Texas couple is coming to terms with the devastating loss of their newborn son after a horrific car crash left them with severe injuries. Tragically, Justin Mitchell and his pregnant wife Jessica were actually on their way to the hospital to welcome their little boy into the world when the accident occurred.
The pair, who have been together since 9th grade, were on route to Sulphur Springs Hospital when Justin, 23, swerved to avoid a falling tree branch. As a result, the car flipped and landed in a nearby ditch. Justin and Jessica, 20, were trapped inside their vehicle for at least an hour before help finally arrived.
After being rushed to the emergency department, doctors decided that an immediate C-section would give their baby the best chance of life. Excruciatingly, however, her baby boy, Sebastian, did not survive.
“The baby didn’t make it. They needed to do a C-section to assess Jessica’s injuries,” Jessica’s mother, Brenda Mize, explained to KLTV-TV.
Jessica was then required to undergo surgery for a broken neck and other injuries, with Justin also being treated for a number of injuries. The couple was, however, able to spend a bit of time with their newborn baby boy before they were transferred to the ICU.
“He looked like his mom and had his daddy’s nose,” Mize told outlet. “We did get to hold him for a little while and spend time with him.”
“It’s just a really hard situation,” Mize added. “These kids need love and prayer.”
On Monday, Jessica posted an update on her husband’s condition. Writing on Facebook, she thanked everyone for their “continued prayers.”
“[They moved] Justin into a recliner and wheeled him into my room to see me for a few minutes (this being the first time in 6 days we have gotten to see each other in person),” she wrote. “They also are looking into having us discharged from the hospital on the 27th but we will be having to spend at least a week in rehab.”
The 20-year-old also spoke openly of her faith, revealing a small moment of hope that took place after the devastating incident.
“Justin’s friend Nolan and his parents went to the wreck site and were walking and found Justin’s wedding ring that had fallen off during the wreck!” she explained. “God continues to watch over us and show us he has us in his hands every day.”
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A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the couple with their finances at this difficult time. In the latest update, Jessica asked for prayers, noting that her husband was suffering from an infection.
“He does need prayers over the place the put an IV in has become infected, pray this heals and doesn’t become anything more than it already is,” she wrote. “Other than that I ask that y’all continue to pray for out overall healing! Thank y’all for all the prayers!”
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So far, just under $10,000 has been raised for the couple.
Many people have commented on the page, offering well-wishes and prayers.
“Praying for healing and God’s peace over you both. I’ve also lost a child and truly understand how hard it is to move forward each day,” one person wrote.
“Take as much time as you need and focus on building each other up daily. Your words have power (through Jesus) so never stop praying. I know God’s joy will always be there for you both,” added another.