Bryan Paul Smith

Bryan Paul 'B.J.' Smith, Jr. was born on June 15, 1990 in a small town in south central Louisiana. He grew up an only child and we loved and spoiled him from the beginning. He and his dad had a passion for motorcycles and rode almost every day. He didn't have an ATV of his own but had ridden with friends and family many times before.

August 8, 2005 was a day of great tragedy and sadness for us. While visiting family in Houston, BJ & his cousin decided to ride his uncle's new ATV. Even though the boys had been told not to go near the ATV, they took it out anyway. They ventured out into the neighborhood to show off for some friends. BJ was not wearing a helmet or other safety gear and had never had an ATV instruction course. With nothing but open road before him, BJ gunned the 4-wheeler to almost 60 mph - then a dog ran out and clipped the front wheel. BJ's life was changed forever. The ATV spun out of control and he was thrown 25 feet, landing on the road head first. One of the boys watching immediately called 911. He later said BJ had blood pouring from his eyes, ears, nose and mouth and was making a terrible gurgling sound. He was instructed to turn him on his side and wait for the ambulance.

On the way to the hospital, paramedics were unable to sustain BJ and we were later told by the ER doctor that he was brought in 'dead on arrival'; however, lifesaving measures were continued - he underwent emergency brain surgery and spent 3 weeks in a coma/life support in Neurotrauma. His diagnosis was severe traumatic brain injury, but he also sustained a broken collar bone, broken ribs, punctured lung, lacerated liver and severe road burn on his arms, legs and back.

During his five and a half month hospital stay he endured a total of four brain surgeries, numerous infections, seizures, memory loss and a stroke. He had to relearn how to walk, talk, eat and dress himself. For the remainder of his life he will deal with permanent, partial blindness. A year after the accident, at the age of 16, his academic level was that of a 5th grader. Since then he has improved, but he will never be the same again. The year before BJ's accident he excelled academically and with encouragement from his coach, he was pursuing a future in football. He will never again play football and it is doubtful he will ever get a driver's license. I have had to watch my son regress emotionally at times to that of a 6 year old. It's the most heartwrenching thing to live through.

If you have kids under 16 - PLEASE keep them off of these powerful and deadly machines. AN ATV is NOT A TOY - its a powerful vehicle that deserves respect.

To all the families out there who have had kids killed or injured on ATVs - our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kim Smith

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