5-Year-Old Boy Miraculously Survives Tragic Crash That Killed His Father and Grandparents

A 5-year-old boy in Colton, California, remains in critical condition after surviving a devastating crash nearly two weeks ago that claimed the lives of four of his family members. Nathaniel Rodriguez, the sole survivor of the December 15 crash, lost his father, his father’s girlfriend, and both of his grandparents in the tragic accident.

Nathaniel’s mother, Adriana Shrem, shared her grief with KABC, saying, “You know, you never think this can happen to you until it happens.” She has spent countless sleepless nights by her son’s side at UC Irvine Medical Center, where Nathaniel is being treated for severe burns, broken limbs, and other serious injuries.

The young boy is currently on a ventilator and has undergone multiple surgeries, including treatment for a bacterial infection on his skin. In addition to the burns and infection, Nathaniel’s legs were broken in the crash, and he had to have both arms amputated below the elbow.

His condition remains critical, with his mother describing the situation as “day by day.” She added, “Every day he comes back out of surgery, it’s a blessing… That’s all I could wish for.” The crash occurred on the eastbound side of Interstate 10 near Riverside Avenue, when the car Nathaniel and his family were in went off the road, struck a tree stump, and caught fire.

Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash or the official cause of death for the four deceased family members. In the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover Nathaniel’s medical expenses and support his family during this difficult time.

The page reads, “We are creating this GoFundMe to help raise funds for what we anticipate to be a long, emotional journey away from her home and ability to work. The money we raise will allow her to be by her little boy’s side every single day to give him the strength he will need to heal.”

Shrem offered a poignant message to others, urging them not to take life for granted: “(Don’t) take life for granted… Love those around you. If you have any animosity toward anyone… just be happy. Life is too short, and you never know what can happen in the blink of an eye.”