HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Today, Jeffery Ahn is the captain of the Hamden High School swim team, a drum major in the marching band, and an honor roll student.
But, after being hit by a car while crossing the street in December 2021, he almost didn’t live through his last year.
“I’m so grateful every day that I’m here,” Ahn said.
The accident happened the day before the swimming tests, when he was crossing the street and a driver ran a red light.
“It got hit and I ran over the car. I don’t remember anything that happened during that,” Ahn said. “Nothing”.
That night at the hospital, the team was told they needed to see him immediately, because the doctors weren’t sure if he would survive.
“It was terrifying,” said Nate Hill, his coach.
Ahn had bleeding, a fractured skull, two broken collarbones and two broken bones in his left foot.
“It was scary, and I remember being so worried about him and hearing how bad his condition was,” said Andrew Ames, a senior. “It was unlike anything I had to deal with.”
Ahn couldn’t move for a month because of the pain. He missed a month of school and had weeks of physical therapy along his grueling road to recovery.
“It was tough,” he said. “It’s tough.”
It was also a mental battle. But, he said, each step forward made him feel like he was making progress in his recovery.
Last season, he returned to the pool, marching on the wing and continuing to receive high marks. He will graduate in June and hopes to continue a family tradition of military service.
He will leave grateful for his school.
“If it wasn’t for this team, I really wouldn’t be here,” Ahn said. “They have been with me every step of the way in my recovery.”
