SOUTH BEND, IN : Eighth grader seriously injured in crash optimistic for future on Saturday, 13th February 2021

The community is rallying behind 13-year-old Giuliana Mendez after she was seriously injured in a crash on Feb. in St. Joseph County.

“Like I couldn’t feel my legs and everyone was screaming and crying...And I couldn’t breathe, so I wasn’t talking very much,” Mendez said.

It happened on Grant Road near Wilson Manor Drive in South Bend.

Authorities said 32-year-old Stephen Stopczynski died after his eastbound car crossed the center line and hit an SUV traveling the opposite direction.

“I’m just sorry for their loss and I hope they can find peace,” said Kassandra Zwierzynski, mother of Mendez.

31-year-old Zwierzynski and her five children were in that SUV when it was hit.

While the rest of her family reportedly had minor injuries, Mendez was airlifted to Riley Hospital after suffering a spinal injury.

Source