The medical conditions of the two children seriously injured in the crash which killed their mothers late Friday, Oct. 4 in Van Zandt County have improved, according to family reports.
Cousins Jacob Reed and Kaycee Ivey were flown from the crash site to Children’s Medical Center for treatment of critical injuries sustained in the crash. Jacob, 9, is the son of Sandy Reed, who died in the crash, and Brian Reed. Kaycee,14, is the daughter of Keesha Gibbs Ivey and sister of Kohlson Ivey.
Mark Reed, Jacob’s grandfather, on Oct. 7, reported Jacob was off the ventilator, talking and eating and expected to soon be up walking. On Oct. 8, others reported Jacob had been released from the hospital.
Kaycee on Oct. 7 had undergone an 8-hour surgery to repair a torn bowel and remove a section of it. All of her injuries were internal, from tears to the bowel from the impact. She needed additional surgery to make further corrections, members of the Reed family reported Oct. 7.
On Oct. 13, Kaycee reportedly was suffering from a high fever and had developed an infection, Keesha and Sandy GoFundMe organizer Vickie Pickel posted on the fundraising page.
On Oct. 16, a Reed family member reported the following update: “Kaycee is little better today, but dr wants to give her lungs another day to recovery before letting surgeons remove fluid in her abdomen. The breathing machines are being turned down to allow her body to do some of the work so getting her off the vent will be easier. Keep us in your prayers and we will await to see what The Lord has in store for us. We appreciate your support and love each and everyone of you.”
Numerous fundraisers and events to support the families were held the weekend following the crash and many more are planned. Read KSST’s update on upcoming events. Additional events are also posted on the Reed/Cavanaugh Benefit Facebook page.
