A woman who had both of her legs amputated after being struck by a train in Phoenix, Arizona, remains unaware of how she ended up on the tracks. Sonja Celius, 48, was making what her family described as a 'quick stop' in the area when the incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. local time on April 25.
Details of the Incident
Celius was discovered with life-threatening injuries near the train tracks at 27th Avenue and Thomas Road, according to Fox 10. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Originally from Nevada, Celius lost both of her lower limbs as a result of the collision, her family revealed on a GoFundMe page.
Nearly two weeks later, the Phoenix Police Department continues to investigate the crash. Celius's family stated that no one knows why or how she ended up on the train tracks. Her daughter, Kayla Hicklen, 27, expressed the family's shock and grief, telling AZ Family, 'I didn't really know what to say or think. All of us cried for multiple days. I was just devastated. Honestly, probably one of the most traumatizing pieces of news to receive in my life.'
Family's Response and Recovery
Celius is a mother of three, with her youngest son being 16 years old. Hicklen confirmed that her mother is expected to survive but faces a long and challenging recovery. 'I think that this has changed everyone's lives in a very significant way,' Hicklen said. 'She's a walking miracle, but it is so devastating to know that my mother will never walk again.'
The intersection where Celius was hit had previously been listed by the city of Phoenix for safety improvements, according to AZ Family. The Federal Railroad Administration also flagged the intersection as high-risk. The Daily Mail has contacted the Phoenix Police Department for further information.
Community Support
To assist with medical expenses and transportation for her children to travel from Nevada to Arizona, Celius's family launched a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser states: 'She was in a horrific accident, struck by a train, and has lost both of her lower limbs. She is currently being hospitalized in Phoenix, AZ, and all three of her children live out of state. This GoFundMe is to support our travel expenses, our mother’s care, and most importantly, to provide any and all support for her youngest son who is still 16, providing him stability in these crucial years of his life and development.'
