JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local woman was seriously injured after her car was rear-ended by a drunk driver on Halloween.
Lillian Rapske had been spending time in Fernandina Beach with her family, carving pumpkins and watching the World Series with her young nephews.
On her way to Jacksonville to meet a friend, she said another driver hit the back of her car at a high rate of speed, causing her vehicle to veer off the road and into a ditch.
“Everyone keeps kind of asking me, you know, how are you doing? How are you feeling? And my response to many people has been, I’m here and I’m thankful to be here,” Rapske explained. “And based on the shape that the vehicle was in, it’s a miracle.”
Rapske told News4JAX that police detained the other driver on suspicion of intoxication.
Two off-duty firefighters were the first to help her after the crash. She is hoping to find them to thank them.
She added that she was rushed to the intensive care unit with a collapsed lung, broken bones, and other internal injuries.
As the holiday season approaches, Rapske shared a message for anyone considering driving after drinking.
“As we go into Thanksgiving and Christmas, there’s going to be work parties and holiday parties and that’s great, but just make smart choices because one reckless decision can impact your life and can significantly impact the life of those who did not make that choice,” she said.
Rapske’s road to recovery is expected to take some time. She currently requires care 24 hours a day.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help cover her medical expenses.