11-year-old Zachariah Townsend was hospitalized for several days following the Dec. 14 crash, but he survived – and he is grateful for the community support.
HOUSTON — One month after a car crashed into a west Houston barbershop and severely injured a child, the barbershop held a celebration and fundraiser to help that boy continue to heal.
Family members identified the child who was hurt to KHOU 11 News as 11-year-old Zachariah Townsend.
Houston police said the crash happened around 12:20 p.m. on Dec. 14 at a building on Westheimer Road near Highway 6. Police said the driver of the car lost control and backed into the building, crashing through several storefronts including 32 Degreez Barbershop.
Surveillance video obtained by KHOU 11 News shows the crash unfold. Witnesses said when the car rammed into the barbershop, it pushed Townsend through the wall. His mother, Gladys Riley, said her son was in the hospital for four to five days following the crash. She said his lungs collapsed and some of his ribs were fractured, but he luckily survived.
“I am very grateful, very thankful. I thank God for his protection. I thank Him for covering my son,” Riley said.
But Riley added that while Townsend’s physical injuries are on the mend, he is still traumatized by what happened.
“We know that we still have work to do mentally for him,” Riley said. “But as far as him resuming daily life, without having fear or having flashbacks or feeling the trauma of this, that’s still there. That’s going to take some time.”
Saturday was Townsend’s first time at 32 Degreez Barbershop since the crash happened. The barbershop hosted a celebration and fundraised to help Townsend continue to heal from the incident.
“I’m still trying to get used to being back here, because after what happened, I still feel a little kind of stiff in here,” Townsend said.
But Townsend said he was happy to see so much love Saturday at the event dedicated to him. His favorite colors are yellow and black – and the celebration included yellow and black cupcakes, balloons, and the barbers even wore yellow and black. Townsend was overwhelmed and grateful for the support.
“It helps me know that I’m not alone, and it makes me understand that I’m not here by myself,” Townsend said.
32 Degreez Barbershop owner Darrick Brown said he wanted to host the event Saturday in order to make Townsend feel more comfortable as he continues his healing journey.
“It’s all about showing love to Zachariah, showing that everybody cares about him, they love him,” Brown said. “We care about him, and we want to support him as much as we can, however we can.”
The Houston Police Department told KHOU 11 News that the crash is still under investigation.