New Kent Unites Behind Star Athlete Post-Crash Recovery

A Community Unites for a Student Athlete

In the small town of New Kent, Virginia, a powerful sense of unity is emerging around a local high school basketball player who is currently in the hospital after a severe car accident. The incident has brought the community together to support the student and his family during this difficult time.

The Accident and Injuries

Kris Leeper, a rising senior at the local high school, was involved in a serious car crash on Monday evening. According to his coach, Garrett Ross, Leeper veered off Route 60 near the Italian Brothers restaurant and collided with multiple trees. Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved in the accident.

Leeper is the son of another coach on the team, Donovan Gipson, adding an extra layer of emotional impact to the situation. After the crash, Leeper was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he has undergone several surgeries. His injuries include multiple broken bones in his legs, deep lacerations to one of his arms, a concussion, and a potential torn ACL. He now has plates and screws in one of his hips and rods in his left leg.

A Message of Gratitude

Ross shared that he spoke with Leeper shortly after the accident. During their conversation, Leeper expressed his gratitude and made a statement that stood out to Ross. “These seatbelts save lives, definitely saved my life,” Leeper said. This message highlights the importance of safety measures and serves as a reminder of the critical role seatbelts play in preventing serious injury.

A Star Player and Leader

Leeper had been a two-year starter on the basketball team and was known for his standout performance in the district. As a rising senior, he was expected to take on a leadership role this season. Ross noted that Leeper was doing all the right things to earn that position, making his current situation even more heartbreaking.

“It’s heartbreaking on that side because he was ready to step up, be the leader this year, be the guy, and he was doing all the right things to earn that, so that’s hard, for sure,” Ross said.

A Long Road to Recovery

While the road to recovery will be long and challenging for Leeper, the support from the community has already begun to make a difference. The basketball team posted a message on Facebook asking for the community’s support and donations for Leeper’s family.

Ross mentioned that the post spread quickly throughout New Kent within just 24 hours, with people reaching out to donate. The message emphasized the importance of giving back, especially given the dedication of Coach Gipson to the students.

“Anyone who’s been around our program knows what Coach Gipson gives to these kids. Now it’s our turn to give back,” the post read.

A Testament to Community Spirit

The response from the community reflects the strong bonds that exist in New Kent. The outpouring of support for Leeper and his family demonstrates the power of unity and compassion. As the town comes together, it serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting one another during times of need.

Through the efforts of the basketball team and the generosity of the community, there is hope that Leeper will receive the care and support necessary to recover and return to the court. This incident has not only highlighted the challenges faced by athletes but also the strength of the community that surrounds them.