Woman critically injured in overpass rock prank recovering
AKRON, Ohio — A northeast Ohio woman who was critically injured when a rock was dropped on her family’s car from a Pennsylvania overpass has made “amazing” strides, her husband said.
Sharon Budd is taking steps, talking in short sentences, eating soft foods and writing and drawing, Randy Budd told the Akron Beacon Journal Wednesday.
“It’s absolutely amazing how far she has come from this horrific, senseless, violent crime,” Randy Budd said. “She continues to amaze the doctors and nurses. In fact, they call her the miracle child.”
The 52-year-old teacher from Uniontown had a setback this week when she suffered a seizure from which she continues to recover. Her family nevertheless is hopeful she will leave the rehabilitation hospital in Pennsylvania within a few weeks. She then would continue her rehab on an outpatient basis.
Sharon Budd, of Uniontown, suffered severe head injuries when the football-sized rock crashed through the windshield of the family’s car on July 10 during a trip to New York. It was dropped from an Interstate 80 overpass near Danville, Pennsylvania. Four young men, ages 17 and 18, have been charged.
Budd has undergone multiple surgeries, including removal of a portion of her facial bones to ease the brain swelling. Complications forced surgeons to remove a portion of her right frontal brain, her husband said. She also lost the use of her right eye.
Budd’s story will be featured Thursday on the nationally syndicated show “The Doctors.” Thousands of dollars have been raised in online efforts to help pay for her treatment.
