Archbishop McCarthy Car Crash Victim “Has a Long Haul”

Monica Pong's righ leg was severed when a 71-year-old picking up her grandkids from school accelerated in reverse

A lawyer representing the family of a 17-year-old Catholic school student whose leg was severed when she was struck by a car in a school parking lot Wednesday says she faces "a long haul" to recovery.

"I saw her today," Jay Cohen said Friday of Archbishop McCarthy senior Palida Pongpluempitichai. "She is really a special young lady. But she has a long haul."

The teenager remains at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, where some 20 family members have kept a non-stop vigil. Doctors hope she will soon become well enough for undergo surgery on her leg, after which she will undergo physical therapy and be fitted for a prosthetic limb.

Pongpluempitichai, known to friends as "Monica Pong," was leading a group of prospective students from eighth grades in Miami-Dade and Broward counties on a school tour Wednesday when 71-year-old Marie Baguidy, who was picking up her grandkids, lost control of her car, accelerated in reverse, jumped a curb, and pinned the girl, severing her right leg.

Pong was facing the school and never saw the car coming. Another student, 15-year-old Aaron Herrera, was able to dive out of the way.

Cohen, a personal injury lawyer, said no lawsuit has been filed on Pong's behalf.

"We're doing everything we can to protect this young lady and her family, and we're not focusing on blame or finger-pointing," Cohen told the Sun-Sentinel. "We're just looking out for her best interests."

The hospital hasn't released any updates about Pong's condition, and her attorney was vague but optomistic. "Monica has her moments, but she's a strong girl," he said. "A young lady of immense character."

A moment of silence was held before Archbishop McCarthy's football game Friday night, in addition to a prayer vigil Thursday morning.

"The outpouring of support by her school," Cohen said, "has been incredible."

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