A student from Texas has suffered ‘catastrophic’ and ‘life-changing’ injuries after an alleged drunk driver hit him on his way to university.
Aidan Poole, a sophomore at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, was traveling when a Porsche reportedly rear-ended his car on September 7. The incident occurred about a two-hour drive south of Amarillo.
The impact was reportedly so severe that it sent the 19-year-old’s vehicle airborne, causing the gas tank to burst into flames upon landing.
Sadly, Aidan sustained second and third-degree burns in the fire. His mother, Kristi Poole, who was in Ireland when the accident happened, shared insights into her son’s compassionate response.
“He looked at me and he was like, ‘Do you know if the Porsche people are okay or if they’re alive?’” Kristi recounted to KVII.
She also remarked, “You don’t ever want to hear your child cry and scream, and just seeing all of his burns is something you never want to see.”
Jadzia Adams, Aidan’s girlfriend, described the moment she received the devastating news.
“When I answered the phone, I could just hear everything in the back. I could hear sirens. I could hear Aidan in the back crying and freaking out. I could hear the wind and all the commotion. And I literally… just went into complete shock,” she said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the family, noting that Poole’s injuries are ‘severe and life-changing,’ necessitating numerous surgeries and extensive treatment.
The fundraiser also emphasized the emotional and financial strain on the family, noting that Aidan lost all his possessions in the fire, from school supplies to clothing and essentials.
The family now faces significant costs for medical treatment, accommodation, and travel to remain near the hospital.
The GoFundMe page details: “On September 7, 2025, Aidan Poole was operating his vehicle when the at-fault driver, who was driving his Porsche while intoxicated and traveling at excessive speeds and over the speed limit, slammed into the back of Aidan’s car. The impact sent his vehicle airborne, and the gas tank exploded upon landing.
“Aidan’s injuries are catastrophic. Aidan is now in the burn unit in Lubbock with severe and life-changing burns and is facing multiple surgeries. Aidan is also experiencing significant trauma and PTSD from the crash.
“All of Aidan’s personal belongings – including his school supplies, clothing, and everyday essentials – were destroyed in the fire.”
Aidan had just started his sophomore year at Texas Tech as an Honors student, majoring in Physics with minors in Math and German.
The page describes Aidan as ‘selfless, tender-hearted, intelligent, and kind’, with a ‘witty sense of humor’, and those who know him speak of his ‘gentle and thoughtful nature’.