By Karthik Kasaraneni ‘07 News Associate Editor
Pia Crawford-Silva ’07 remains hospitalized this week with serious injuries stemming from an automobile accident last Monday. Meanwhile, as word spread about the accident, the Choate community rallied together at a School Meeting and prayer session last week and has offered an outpouring of support for her and her family.
Crawford-Silva, a three-year junior from West Hartford, Connecticut, was injured on Monday, November 28th when attempting to negotiate a left turn onto a busy thoroughfare. A Dodge Durango SUV collided with the driver’s side of her Toyota Camry as she made the turn onto Albany Avenue, which was closed to traffic for about two hours following the crash, according to published reports. Local media outlets, including the local ABC and CBS affiliates and the Hartford Courant, reported extensively on the accident. Pictures of the crash were shown on both affiliates’ evening news programs.
“Her parents shared with us that the accident occurred directly across the street from the fire department and that the medical response was instantaneous,” said Tommie Oppegaard, the fifth form girls’ dean. “She was immediately transported to St. Francis hospital.”
Crawford-Silva sustained serious head injuries and a broken pelvis in the crash. As of Thursday afternoon, she is in serious condition at St. Francis Hospital. She has not regained consciousness since the accident.
Dean of Students John Ford sent an email to the faculty Tuesday morning describing the situation based on reports from local news stations and a conversation with Pia’s grandmother. That afternoon, as students were returning from Thanksgiving break, Mr. Ford sent an email to the student body alerting them of the tragedy. Word had begun to spread throughout the student body as early as Monday night after one television affiliate released her identity in its report.
A short all-school meeting was held in the Paul Mellon Arts Center on Wednesday, the first day of winter term classes, regarding Pia’s accident and condition. Mr. Ford, the main speaker, put an emphasis on the power of thinking positive thoughts for Pia and her family. The meeting also included a short prayer for Pia led by Reverend Marc Trister, Head of Campus Ministry, and a moment of silence in Pia’s honor.
On Thursday, Reverend Trister held a prayer service for Pia in the Chapel. Furthermore, following the class day, Mrs. Oppegaard and Wendy Marrinan, the fifth form deans’ assistant, delivered various items given by students to Pia and her family at St. Francis Hospital in West Hartford.
“We collected cards, letters and posters. We had everything from original poems to letters and well wishes. The girls in Edsall and of Lilith made posters,” said Mrs. Oppegaard. “The family was very appreciative for any thoughts and prayers we sent her way. They appreciated the all-school meeting and the prayer service as well.” Students are encouraged to continue bringing in cards, pictures, letters, etc. to the basket on Mrs. Oppegaard’s desk.
On Friday, Mr. Ford sent another email to the students expressing how appreciative Pia’s parents had been for the gifts.
In another email update on Sunday, Mr. Ford informed the student body that the school continued to be in touch with Pia’s family. He also noted that Pia’s condition remained serious but stable, and that doctors are “cautiously optimistic.” In addition, the doctors “apparently have observed ‘purposeful movements with her hand.’”
