Injured Angels Prospect Battles for Recovery; Family Seeks Team’s Support

In a tragic turn of events, Rio Foster, a 22-year-old outfield prospect for the Los Angeles Angels, faces a challenging recovery after a severe accident in September 2023. When a drunk driver lost control of the car, Foster, who was not wearing a seatbelt, became critically injured after being ejected from the vehicle. Now, his family seeks the team’s support as they navigate through healthcare challenges.

Accident Overview

The incident occurred early in the morning on September 5. Foster was involved in a single-car crash instigated by 22-year-old Ashante Sanders-Jackson, who is now facing vehicular assault charges and remains in jail on a $200,000 bond. While two passengers also suffered injuries, Foster’s condition was the most severe.

• Foster was critically injured after being thrown from the vehicle.
• The driver was drunk and failed to negotiate a roundabout.
• Foster was intubated at the scene; he sustained a traumatic brain injury and skull fractures.

Family’s Struggle for Support

Foster was slated for a promising career in baseball before the accident. He had recently been named Northwest League Player of the Month, highlighting his potential as one of the Angels’ top prospects. Now he is in a rehabilitation facility, striving for a semblance of his former life, while his family desperately seeks assistance.

Foster’s mother, Iris Cleveland, expressed her concerns about their financial situation, especially since the Angels have not confirmed whether they will extend his insurance coverage. The family has raised $67,000 through a GoFundMe campaign, primarily supported by Angels players, but these funds are depleting rapidly.

Challenges with Healthcare

Healthcare costs are mounting. Foster’s condition requires ongoing treatments that are likely to exceed their financial capabilities without additional support. Cleveland indicated the difficulty of navigating the healthcare system and the urgency for answers from the Angels, who have not communicated regularly since November.

“It’s not just the injury that we’re dealing with,” Cleveland mentioned, articulating the layers of complexity involved in getting necessary care for her son. “It’s all these other hoops that you have to jump through, just to get the care he needs.”

Searching for Answers

The emotional strain on Foster’s family, friends, and girlfriend, Meena Oliver, is considerable. While she has remained by his side, offering support, she sometimes battles anger over the choices that led to the accident. Cleveland has been actively involved in seeking justice and understanding the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Despite their grief and frustration, the family has expressed the need for resolution. Cleveland indicated that she has requested at least a two-year jail sentence for Sanders-Jackson, emphasizing the long-lasting impact of the crash on Foster’s life.

Hope Amid Struggles

Even as Rio Foster fights for recovery, there are small signs of progress. He occasionally displays awareness by reacting to his family’s presence. These glimpses of improvement fuel hope for both his family and supporters.

The involvement of Angels players, who have made significant donations, highlights the community’s compassion. All-Star pitcher Yusei Kikuchi’s $10,000 contribution is a testament to the collective support for Foster during this crucial time.

As the new season approaches, uncertainty looms over Foster’s future. Will he secure the necessary medical coverage? What will his rehabilitation look like moving forward? Cleveland remains dedicated to ensuring her son continues to receive the care he needs while holding onto the hope that he can reclaim his life and baseball dreams.

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