In the quiet state of Idaho, a harrowing car crash left a teenager in an unimaginable situation: hanging 30 feet in the air from a power line by her broken leg. Kennedy Littledike, then 19 years old, miraculously survived the ordeal and has since shared her story, detailing the most terrifying moments and her incredible journey to recovery.
The Devastating Crash of Kennedy Littledike
On May 22, 2021, Kennedy Littledike was driving with two friends when she lost control of her vehicle. The car flipped and rolled, violently ejecting the occupants. While one friend was knocked unconscious and the other suffered severe injuries, Kennedy’s trajectory flung her 30 feet into the air, landing her on a power line.
The power line, while a perilous place to end up, ironically played a crucial role in saving her life. The pressure from the cable pinched off a major artery in her leg, and the electrical current cauterized another artery in her arm, preventing her from bleeding to death. Kennedy was left hanging there for an hour, bleeding and terrified, as a crowd gathered below.
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The Scariest Part of the Ordeal
In a YouTube video, Kennedy recounted the most frightening part of the incident. “The scariest part was definitely waking up on the wire, because I’m not supposed to be there… so I don’t know why I’m there. So I was confused and everyone was just looking at me and not getting me down.”
Kennedy’s confusion and fear were compounded by the sight of onlookers who seemed helpless. “I was like, ‘Can you guys just come and get me?'” she recalled. The Good Samaritans below held a white tarp, presumably to catch her if she fell, but to Kennedy, their actions were baffling in the chaos of the moment.
A Life-Changing Rescue
Eventually, Kennedy was rescued from the wire and rushed to the hospital, where she was placed in a medical coma. Her injuries were severe: doctors had to amputate her leg, and she suffered partial paralysis in one arm. Despite these life-altering injuries, Kennedy’s resilience shone through. She underwent more than 21 surgeries and faced a long road to recovery with incredible determination.
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Recovery and Resilience
Kennedy’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. With a prosthetic leg, she has embraced life with renewed vigor. Her social media accounts, where she shares her story, have garnered a substantial following. Through these platforms, she inspires others with her activities such as skiing, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
One of the pivotal aspects of Kennedy’s recovery has been her mental strength. Reflecting on the accident, she said, “I knew if I cried, that was it for me. I’ve never been a big crier… So I knew if I started crying, I would be done.” This mindset helped her stay focused and resilient during her recovery process.
Finding Love and Happiness
Despite initial fears that her injuries would hinder her chances of finding love, Kennedy has found happiness in a new relationship. She proudly shares her journey and her relationship on social media, expressing gratitude for the support and love she has received.
Coping with Trauma
The aftermath of the accident continues to affect Kennedy. She experiences flashbacks when she sees flashing lights or hears sirens, which can almost bring her to tears. “Sometimes those almost bring me to tears because it just makes me sick,” she admitted, highlighting the lasting impact of such a traumatic event.