Ornella Price is a proud mom to her son Dayton Price. He is a talented athlete and accomplished academic student who was faced with a tragedy, loss of his golf teammates, burn injury and emotional distress at the age of 19. He was attending the University of the Southwest in Hobbs NM on a golf scholarship and met a great team of players that he considered to be his second family. A deadly crash occurred on March 15th, 2022, killing 7 of his teammates and his coach. Dayton Price and Hayden Underhill were the two sole survivors. Dayton sustained 3rd and 4th degree burn injuries to over 44% of his body. He was hospitalized at The University Medical Centre Hospital in the ICU Burn Unit in Lubbock Texas for 3 months. Ornella, her husband Darren and daughter Noella, remained by Dayton’s side the entire duration and prayed for his survival daily. Ornella’s life today is filled with gratitude, courage, strength, mental awareness and a healthy recovery for Dayton. She works with patients and families who are dealing with burn injuries, attends many group therapy sessions with burn survivors and continues to support Dayton in his ongoing road to recovery.
Ornella has been an accomplished brand ambassador in the hospitality industry and has won many awards for her sales and marketing achievements. Most excited to share a highlight in her career was the pleasure of working with movie production companies, and great actors such as Bradley Cooper, Willem Dafoe and award-winning Director Guillermo del Toro.
The Price Family has founded a not-for-profit organization called, “Price Strong”. They help raise funds through initiatives such as the Price Strong Charity Golf Tournament held every year in support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Author – soon to be published “2nd Shot”
The story of how life changed forever after losing 7 of his teammates and coach. The life changing perspective on how a young man learned to survive his severe burn injuries and his return to playing golf. The mental health challenge he faced while fighting for his life and how he became strong again both mentally and physically. How does Dayton cope with mental health and what is life like now for Dayton?
Meet Dayton Price: A Story of Resilience and Legacy
Dayton Price is a hardworking young athlete who was living the dream - competing in collegiate golf and excelling academically at the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico. A recipient of a golf scholarship, Dayton was pursuing his degree and training with determination to one day become a PGA Tour Professional.
From a young age, Dayton showed unwavering dedication to sports - starting with hockey in his early years and progressing to major junior golf tournaments in his teens. His talent and drive earned him numerous accolades and championships throughout his athletic career.
But everything changed in an instant.
On March 15th, 2022, while returning from a two-day golf tournament in Midland, Texas, tragedy struck. The team’s bus was hit head-on by a truck, claiming the lives of seven teammates and their coach - individuals Dayton considered his second family.
Dayton survived but sustained catastrophic injuries: 3rd and 4th degree burns covering over 45% of his body and life-threatening damage to his ankles, with amputation a real possibility. His recovery has required months in ICU and multiple reconstructive surgeries, with many more to come.
Despite unimaginable loss and physical trauma, Dayton continues to fight. With courage and purpose, he is living each day to honor the legacy of his teammates and coach. His strength and perseverance inspire everyone who hears his story.
There is a purpose through tragedy and trauma and as survivors we can make a difference in the lives of others.
"A movement is greater than one person"
Hear his inspiring journey of recovery and dedication to honoring his teammates’ legacies.