A 12-year-old student from Elizabethtown is recovering from a severe traumatic brain injury following an e-scooter accident on September 18, 2026. The incident, caused by a momentary phone distraction, has sparked a community-wide push for improved child safety measures.
A phone distraction and a dangerous ballistic trajectory
Ross Funk, a seventh-grade student from Elizabethtown, is currently fighting to regain his motor skills after a catastrophic fall.. The accident occurred when the boy dropped his phone while riding an e-scooter he had recently received as a birthday gift, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
According to the report, the loss of control sent the teenager over the handlebars in what witnesses described as a "dangerous ballistic trajectory." This impact resulted in severe head trauma, leading doctors to place him in a medically induced coma for three weeks at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital to monitor his neurological status.
Penn State Health reports a surge in pediatric e-mobility trauma
Pediatric trauma involving e-bikes and e-scooters is on a significant upward trend, according to Dr. Bryanna, the pediatric trauma director at Penn State Health. The medical facility reported that in 2025, they recorded more cases related to these devices than in the previous three years combined.
These injuries often involve life-threatening conditions such as skull fractures, brain bleeding, and internal organ damage. As the report notes, the rise in these accidents has prompted medical professionals to urge parents to prioritize safety gear and proper usage to mitigate the growing risks associated with personal electric mobility.
The $12,000 medical burden for the Funk family
Ross Funk is showing signs of physical progress at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital, including the ability to sit up independently and communicate through simple gestures. While he is currently unable to speak, his medical team remains optimistic that he will eventually resume speech and motor functions through intensive therapy.
The Funk family is managing significant medical costs that have already exceeded $12,000. In response ,a close family friend has organized a fundraising campaign to help alleviate the financial pressure on the family as they focus on Ross's long-term rehabilitation and his goal of returning to multi-sport activities like football and basketball .
Can current helmets withstand the impact of e-scooter crashes?
Safety advocates are now questioning whether current protective gear is sufficient to prevent the level of trauma seen in recent e-scooter accidents. the incident has raised concerns about whether standrad helmets can adequately protect young riders from the specific impact forces generated by motorized scooters.
Ashley Funk is leading a community effort to promote better safety education and more candid conversations between parents and children regarding risk assessment.. However, the incident leaves several questions unanswered, such as how to effectively manage device distractions and whether more stringent supervision or mandatory helmet ordinances are required for minors.
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