Three people were released from the hospital on Friday night following the car accident that occurred on the intersection of Manning Avenue and University Drive on Friday afternoon.

The three hospitalized students were all members of the softball team and included senior Paige Goss, sophomores Patti Weber and Melanie Helterbran. Goss starts at second base, Weber starts at third and Helterbran pitches.

One other student was involved in the incident that included four vehicles. Junior Drew Martin was not taken to the hospital and was uninjured in the incident.

The initial investigation by Town of Elon Police found that the car carrying the three women pulled out from a stop sign into the path of an oncoming car which caused the collision that forced the cars into Martin’s car, which was parked at the opposite stop sign.

“When it first happened I ran over to the other car,” Martin said. “I tried to pry the passenger side door because the girl seemed injured the most. But I couldn’t do it.”

When the police and firefighters arrived they used the “jaws-of-life” to remove the door.
“We are very fortunate to have everyone walk away from it with no broken bones,” coach Patti Raduenz said.

Raduenz showed up at the scene very quickly, as did many other softball players. “It is really inspiring the support the team has given those three,” Raduenz said.

While in the emergency room the three girls received visits from many members of the athletic department including Athletic Director Dave Blank. The girls’ only injuries seemed to be minor concussion related.

“Just being a parent, when we recruit the kids to play here we make sure we let the parents know they’ll be taken care of. They are like kids to me.”

The girls are all expected to make full recoveries and be able to play in a few weeks.
Elon Police was unavailable for comment.

Managing Editor: Justin Hite - 02/08/07