By Bailey Coyle, FOX23 News
GLENPOOL, Okla. — Nearly nine months after a crash on Highway 75 left five teenagers seriously injured, the boys are still working toward recovery as one family faces mounting medical expenses and additional surgeries.
The teens were traveling to a Valentine’s Day dance on February 13, 2026, when their Toyota Prius was struck by a Ford Explorer near 201st Street and Highway 75 in Glenpool.
According to the Glenpool Police Department’s investigation, the Explorer was traveling 107.5 miles per hour five seconds before the crash. Investigators say the vehicle was still traveling nearly 99 miles per hour when the collision occurred.
The department’s report says the Explorer’s driver did not apply the brakes before impact and made only a small steering adjustment shortly before the crash.
All five teenagers were injured, and several were transported to the hospital by ambulance.
For the families, the crash marked the beginning of a long and uncertain recovery.
A Long Road to Recovery
Alex Ethington was driving the Prius that night. His mother, Danielle Ethington, said she received a panicked phone call from one of the boys shortly after they left for the dance.
“He said, ‘Crash! We crashed. Alex is unconscious in the front seat. He’s bleeding from everywhere. I think he’s dead,’” Ethington said.
She and her family rushed to the scene, fearing the worst.
When they arrived, she said the boys were outside the vehicle, waiting for emergency crews.
Alex suffered multiple broken bones and torn ligaments, including injuries to his wrist, hand, shoulder, hips and knee. He has undergone several surgeries, with more still ahead.
His brother Isaac suffered a shattered pelvis that required surgery and metal hardware. He spent about two months in a wheelchair and continues to deal with pain and mobility challenges.
Josh suffered a fractured pelvis and an L5 vertebra fracture.
The other two teens, Connor and Emma Morrison, also sustained injuries.
For the boys, the crash is still affecting everyday life.
Isaac said he continues to struggle with flexibility in his leg and has difficulty walking long distances or standing for extended periods.
“Just not knowing where I was going to be in a while,” Isaac said, describing the hardest part of recovery. “I didn’t know how much better I was going to get and whether I could still accomplish goals I wanted to do in the future.”
Alex said he has been concerned about whether he will be able to return to activities he enjoyed before the crash.
He was involved in martial arts, and while he hopes to return, he said he still has to wait for his injuries to heal.
The boys say the experience has also changed how they view life and their relationships with one another.
Josh said the crash made him realize how quickly life can change and the importance of telling loved ones how much they mean to you.
Medical Expenses Continue to Add up
The family says the financial impact has been another challenge.
Ethington said the family has health insurance, but some specialized treatment and medical expenses are not covered.
She said the family is also facing ongoing transportation costs as the boys travel to appointments and physical therapy.
The family’s Toyota Prius was totaled in the crash.
Ethington said the other driver’s insurance accepted liability for the injuries but determined Alex was 51% at fault, leaving the family without compensation to replace the vehicle.
The police report says the Prius was stopped at a stop sign before beginning to cross Highway 75. Investigators determined the Explorer was traveling above the posted speed limit and did not brake before the collision.
The family also faces uncertainty about the legal proceedings.
Ethington said the other driver died October 8, shortly before the criminal case was scheduled to begin. She said the criminal and civil cases have since been dropped.
How the Community can Help
A GoFundMe has been established to help the family replace the destroyed vehicle and cover gas, out-of-pocket medical expenses and specialized treatment.
Ethington said her biggest concern is making sure her children continue receiving the care they need.
“I’m not going to give up on a 17-year-old,” she said. “I don’t accept you just can be in pain for the rest of your life.”
The family says donations will help ease the financial strain as the boys continue treatment and work toward regaining a sense of normalcy.
You can find the GoFundMe by clicking here.
