ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C.(by Scott Gustin and Mitch Carr)— A baby that was born Sunday night shortly after his mom died as the result of a car crash is struggling to survive.
According to Trooper J.R. Zachary with the N.C. Highway Patrol, Brian and Megan Riggans, both 22 and of Staley, were in the 2800 block of Greensboro-Chapel Hill Road shortly before 10 p.m. when their car hydroplaned, went off the side of the road and struck a tree.
The couple was on their way to UNC Chapel Hill Hospital because Megan Riggans was in labor.
Zachary said Megan Riggans, who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, was unconscious when rescuers arrived.
She was taken to Alamance Regional Medical Center, where doctors delivered her baby boy.
However Riggans died before she could hold her baby in her arms.
Randy Lewis, Megan’s uncle, spoke to WRALand said the community has been wonderful.
“You never know what people think of you ’til something happens like this,” Lewis said. “It’s our tribute to the community and to Megan at how much people care.”
He says the family is thankful that Casey is alive, and that little Will – named after Megan’s late grandfather – is fighting to stay alive.
“We could as easily been planning three funerals instead of one,” Lewis said. “But the fact that this little boy even got cranked up and going in life, to me, is a miracle.”
Brian Riggans, whose face and back were injured, was taken to UNC Hospital from the scene of the crash.
The family has set up a fund to help with medical expenses and care. Donations can be made by at any BB&T bank branch to the Brian Casey Riggans Trust. Donations also may be mailed to the Brian Casey Riggans Trust, BB&T, P.O. Box 749, Siler City, NC 27344.
