Local Woman's Jeep Crash Sparks Life-Changing Transformation

Written with artificial intelligence assistance.

According to Daily Journal, on the morning of November 1, 2022, Ryleigh McVay, a 20-year-old student at Itawamba Community College (ICC), experienced a harrowing accident that would dramatically alter the course of her life. While driving her mother's Jeep Wrangler on her way to work, McVay's cellphone fell onto the floorboard. As she reached down to retrieve it, she lost control of the vehicle, causing it to flip end over end.

McVay, who had just begun her online classes that August, was ejected through the soft top of the Jeep. "I had never been in a wreck before, so my senses were heightened," McVay recalled. "I remember hearing the Jeep still flipping, so I sat straight up and watched it going down the hill before I laid down again."

The crash occurred in a line of traffic where three health care professionals— a registered nurse, a flight care nurse, and a school nurse— were present. Their prompt assistance, along with the quick arrival of the fire department and her father, ensured McVay received immediate help. She was initially transported by ambulance to the emergency room in Pontotoc and later transferred to North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo for further treatment.

McVay sustained severe injuries, including bruised lungs, a broken tailbone, and seven fractured vertebrae. Despite these injuries, she was able to walk and was fitted with a back brace. She underwent spinal surgery on January 4, 2023, which involved a kyphoplasty procedure to address her spinal compression fractures.

Surgeons used a balloon to create space in the fractured vertebrae, followed by the injection of cement to stabilize the area. Despite initial fears, McVay made a remarkable recovery and was soon back to driving, working, and resuming her studies at ICC—this time in-person rather than online. Her perseverance paid off as she was even selected for the homecoming court.

Ryleigh McVayPhoto byDaily Journal

Reflecting on her ordeal, McVay noted a profound shift in her perspective. "It opened my eyes," she said. "I was trying to work two jobs and do school. I just wanted to get my education and leave. But it opened me up to actually get out there."

Prior to the accident, McVay had been spiritually reflecting and had shared her feelings with her mother, who advised her to drive safely. McVay only saw her mother's response after the crash. The song "Hallelujah" by Carrie Underwood was playing when the accident occurred and resumed right where it left off when her father returned her phone.

The crash led McVay to reconsider her career goals. Initially aiming for a business degree and a career in cosmetology, she now pursues an associate degree in nursing at ICC. Her goal is to work as a travel nurse and eventually become a nurse practitioner.

"Even though it was pain and hard times, and definitely change, it opened up my world completely," McVay said. "Looking back, I can see the good and the bad. I don't wish it on anybody, but at the same time, it really changed my perspective for the better."