Community rallies around Lafayette man critically injured in motorcycle crash

LAFAYETTE, La. ( KLFY ) — The community is rallying around a 22-year-old Lafayette man who is fighting to live after a motorcycle crash.

Tristan Andrews is in the intensive care unit after a crash that happened about a week ago near the intersection of Johnston and Arnould Boulevard.

“The doctor said they don’t understand it. It’s truly a miracle,” Tristan’s older sister, Jill Andrews, said.

While Tristan survived the crash, his injuries are extensive.

“Just seeing him almost unrecognizable, not knowing what he’s feeling, if he can hear us,” Jill said through tears.

On Tristan’s right side, all his ribs are broken. He has a collapsed lung and his shoulder is shattered. On the left side, he has a broken clavicle and collarbone. All of his fingers are broken, both ankles are broken, and he has a spinal fracture and a small skull fracture.

His sister believes their faith is helping.

“The doctors told us they don’t know what we’re doing but keep doing it. I fully believe that everyone’s prayers and well-wishes is what’s getting Tristan through this,” Jill said.

For Tristan’s older sister, Jill, it’s especially tough. Two of their siblings have already died in motorcycle crashes.

“The exact same. A car taking a left-hand turn in front of him,” she remembered. “Tristan, specifically, the car was trying to save himself 30 seconds. Thirty seconds of you trying to get where you needed to be faster might have cost my brother’s life.”

Tristan is now in the ICU in a Shreveport hospital. Back at home, people and local businesses are doing what they can to help the Andrews family financially.

“It’s truly overwhelming. His friends, the community, Jason’s Deli, like some of these people, have no idea who Tristan is. So, the fact that so many people are just willing to come together and help us, people have no idea how genuinely thankful and appreciated we are,” Jill said.

You can help Tristan and the Andrews family by going to Jason’s Deli on Arnould Boulevard in Lafayette on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Mention Tristan Andrews or ‘TJA strong,’ and 20% of your order will go to the family.

The Andrews family has also started a GoFundMe to help with expenses.

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