19-year-old college student suffers 'catastrophic life-changing’ burns after being hit by alleged drunk driver
A Texan student has been left with 'catastrophic' and 'life-changing' injuries after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while on the way to campus.
Sophomore Aidan Poole was traveling to Texas Tech University, in Lubbock, Texas - just under a two-hour drive south of Amarillo - when a Porsche is claimed to have crashed into the back of him, on September 7.
The force is understood to have been so strong it sent the 19-year-old's car spiraling in the sky causing his gas tank to erupt into flames upon landing.
Tragically, the teen has sustained second and third-degree burns as a result of the fire, while his mom Kristi Poole - who was in Ireland at the time of the collision - has revealed how her compassionate son has responded.
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“He looked at me and he was like, ‘Do you know if the Porsche people are okay or if they’re alive?’” she said per KVII.
Kristi added: "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."
Meanwhile, Aidan's girlfriend, Jadzia Adams also touched on the moment she heard the 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 explained.
The driver of the Porsche, Thomas Rich, has been charged with intoxication assault, with the Department of Public Safety accusing him of travelling at an 'excessive rate of speed'.
KOSA reports that he was bailed out of jail on September 16.
A GoFundMe has since been launched to support Aidan's family, with the page describing Poole’s injuries as 'severe and life-changing', requiring multiple surgeries and long-term treatment.
The fundraiser also highlighted the emotional and financial toll, explaining that Aidan lost all his belongings in the fire, including school supplies, clothing, and daily essentials.
The family is now facing heavy expenses for medical care, lodging, and travel while staying close to the hospital.
The GoFundMe description read in part: "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 begun his sophomore year at Texas Tech as an Honors student, majoring in Physics with minors in Math and German."
It describes the teen as 'selfless, tender-hearted, intelligent, and kind', with a 'witty sense of humor', while those who know him reflect on his 'gentle and thoughtful nature'.
You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
Joe Yates