A Highland Township man continues to fight for his life after being crushed by a large pickup truck on M-59 two weeks ago.
Sawyer Pierce, 28, is expected to be hospitalized for months followed by a lengthy rehabilitation for treatment of a severe head injury, multiple broken bones and other injuries he suffered in the Aug. 27 collision. Close family friend Julie Skore McBride, organizer of a Go Fund Me account to help with Pierce’s medical bills and other associated costs, told The Oakland Press that Pierce surviving the horrific crash is miraculous.
“It’s truly a miracle, it’s amazing that he’s still alive,” McBride said. “His family and I believe in God, and we continue to pray for him — and believe that Sawyer is here for a reason.”
The outpouring of support — be it financial through Go Fund Me or the well-wishes and prayers from friends, family members and even strangers who’ve heard about what happened to Pierce — is very much appreciated, McBride added.
“We’re all so grateful for this love and support,” she said.
The crash that nearly took Pierce’s life happened when a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 44-year-old Milford Township resident crossed the centerline of M-59 near Pontiac Lake Road and collided head-on with Pierce, who was driving a Buick LaCrosse, according to the White Lake Police Department.
McBride said Pierce was on his way to meet friends at a movie theater when the collision happened.
The Oakland Press has reached out to White Lake police for an update on possible charges against the Silverado driver but hasn’t heard back yet. Earlier, police said alcohol use was suspected.
McBride said if alcohol was involved by either driver, it wasn’t Pierce. “Sawyer hadn’t been drinking,” she said.
Pierce remains in the Intensive Care Unit at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, where he is on a ventilator and has undergone surgery; more surgery is on the horizon, McBride said. Only immediate family is permitted to visit him.
From his hospital room, a large sign is visible from atop the roof of the Waterford Township Regional Fire Station, which reads: “Stay Strong Sawyer.” Pierce’s dad, Mike Pierce, retired from the former Pontiac Fire Department in 2009 before Waterford took over services.
Pierce’s prognosis is uncertain, McBride said, as doctors have explained every patient is different. “He could walk out of the hospital fully-recovered, or have some impairment (temporarily), or be impaired for life. We just don’t know.”
In the past couple days, some positive changes have been noted: He’s somewhat responsive and is needing less oxygen support, McBride said, but there’s a long road ahead of him.
“We’ve prayed so hard for a turnaround,” she said.
To contribute to the Go Fund Me account, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-sawyer-pierce-heal-after-tragic-accident.
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