Dayton's Story

March 15th, 2022 was a day of unimaginable tragedy, grief and heartbreak… when a horrific crash took the lives of nine people and devastated the Price Family with shocking news about the condition of Dayton Price.

Dayton Price, attended the University of the Southwest, in Hobbs, New Mexico on a golf scholarship, achieving a 4.0 GPA and playing the best golf of his life when his dream faded into an overnight nightmare. Dayton and 7 of his teammates and coach were unfortunately survivors of a fatal collision on their return home from a golf tournament in Midland, Texas. Their bus was struck head on by a pick-up truck, which resulted in an explosion and fire killing 7 teammates and their coach. Dayton Price and Hayden Underhill were the only two survivors, both from Canada. Dayton suffered severe 3rd and 4th degree burns to over 44% of his body which resulted in 86 days in hospital, most of those days in ICU Burn Unit at The University Medical Center in Lubbock Texas. Hayden Underhill was ejected 60 feet from the bus onto the highway suffering a major head injury and a broken leg. Dayton is continuing his battle to recover 1 year later with daily therapy and hospital visits. Still requiring aggressive laser surgery to his upper and lower body to help with mobility needs.

Dayton’s goals have not changed. He continues to work hard and focus on becoming a professional golf player to hopefully one day represent his country in the PGA Tour. With every step on and off the course, he carries his teammates and coach with him with the goal of turning the pain and heart break into something positive. The families of the USW teammates are healing in their own way with the loss of their young men and women. Dayton’s goal is to ensure that the world never forgets their legacy and he will continue to keep them close throughout his life journey.

This included a father, a son, six members of the University of the Southwest’s golf team, and their coach.

DAYTON AND SISTER NOELLA

Far From Home

1,600 miles away, outside of Toronto, Canada, Darren and Ornella Price received the phone call that their son had been in a horrible accident. Darren, Ornella and their daughter Noella, rushed to a Texas town they had never heard of before, hoping to make it in time to see their son.

DAYTONS 1ST SIGHT OF LIGHT OUTSIDE HOSP ROOM2

Against All Odds

Dayton was a fighter. He made it through the first few risky days after his accident. While his condition was still serious, the Price Family were prepared to settle in for the long haul in Lubbock while Dayton recovered. They found their home away from home at the Ronal McDonald House.

temp_story (2)

Settling In

The Price Family quickly became Lubbockites. Noella did her school work in the House´s living room. Ornella made lasagna for the families in the House. Darren split his time between Canada and Lubbock. Extended family came to visit Dayton and volunteered around in the House in their downtime. After 83 days, the Price Family was finally able to go home.

OFFICIAL DEPARTURE FROM SOUTH PLAINS REHAB HOSP

Forever Family

The Price Family return to Lubbock on a regular basis for Dayton’s ongoing treatments. The family is using their experience to give back to other RMHC families and kids with burn injuries. Dayton is back to golfing and still hopes to play on the PGA tour.

In loving memory of Dayton’s 7 teammates and coach who lost their lives in the accident.

Forever in our hearts.

Golf Team2