Victim of drag racing hit-and-run pushes himself toward recovery

[onedef92]

Victim of drag racing hit-and-run pushes himself toward recovery

Posted: Jun 21, 2011 5:14 PM EDT
Updated: Jun 21, 2011 7:03 PM EDT

MEMPHIS, TN - (WMC-TV) - The victim of a near-fatal hit-and-run crash involving street racers spoke publicly for the first time Tuesday about the ordeal.

Surrounded by faith and well-wishes, and covered by injuries, Darreontae Martin reflected on how life has changed drastically over the past month.

"Laying in this bed, it's just stressful," he said.

Martin, 17, was a standout football player at Sheffield High School. But since the accident, he's shed nearly 50 pounds, and weathered five separate surgeries over a 25 day stay at The MED.

"All I can remember is me having fun with friends and a car smashing my face in," he said.

The crash happened on May 26, as Martin walked across Knight Road. After he was struck by one drag racer, a second racer ran over him.

According to Memphis police, the case remains open, and no arrests have been made.

Martin's mother, Wrechal Currie, has been by his side throughout the ordeal. Slowly, she said, her son is getting back to normal.

"He's back," she said. "He's smiling. He's joking. They said he'll make a full recovery. He'll be able to walk, run, and do all the things he was normally able to do."

Martin's recovery is contingent upon months of difficult rehab. In the interim, to those who sent cards, balloons, kind words and prayers, Martin offers a promise.

"I will push myself to keep striving...keep going," he said.

Martin might be able to return to football one day, and plans to take up swimming as well.

If you can help solve this crime, investigators ask you call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.

[Yerf Dog]

"He's back," she said. "He's smiling. He's joking. They said he'll make a full recovery. He'll be able to walk, run, and do all the things he was normally able to do."

That's good news.

Now about that name....