A woman who was left paralysed from the waist down after being hit by a drunk driver at the age of 17 has shown incredible resilience by choosing to live her life to the fullest despite having both her legs amputated. Sarah Frei, now 21 and a dedicated student in Salt Lake City, Utah, was struck by 45-year-old Dustin Wesley Andersen in a horrific accident in 2020. Following two months in the hospital and undergoing 20 surgeries, Sarah made the difficult decision to have both her legs amputated.
Despite the physical and emotional challenges she faced, Sarah’s determination and positive attitude allowed her to return to cheerleading, complete her academic pursuits, and pursue a degree at university. Four years after the tragic incident, Sarah has embraced life to the fullest by travelling, engaging in adventurous activities like surfboarding, rock climbing, and swimming, and facing the location of the accident for the first time recently.
Reflecting on her journey, Sarah shared, “My life took some time to get used to. But I live such a happy life and I feel just as normal as I used to despite things looking different.” She expressed gratitude for the support of her family and friends, who played a crucial role in her recovery and helped her stay strong throughout her challenges.
Sarah’s ordeal began on July 30, 2020, when she was involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver while returning from Bear Lake, Utah, with her friends. The collision resulted in severe injuries, leading to Sarah being airlifted to the hospital for lifesaving surgeries, including the amputation of her legs below the knee.
Following a lengthy and arduous recovery process that involved multiple surgeries and intensive rehabilitation, Sarah’s strength and resilience shone through as she eventually returned home on October 13, 2024, to a warm welcome from her community. Despite the immense challenges she faced, Sarah’s positive outlook and determination to live life to the fullest serve as an inspiration to many.
Furthermore, Andersen, the drunk driver responsible for the accident, admitted his guilt in court for hitting Sarah and her friends with his vehicle while under the influence. Sarah’s father, Greg, advocated for new legislation to deny bail to individuals arrested under similar circumstances, a cause that Sarah proudly supported. The bill, now law in Utah, bears Sarah’s name, symbolising her journey of resilience and advocacy for change.
Sarah’s story stands as a testament to the power of the human spirit in overcoming adversity and finding strength in the face of challenges. Despite the physical limitations she now faces, Sarah continues to embrace life with joy and gratitude, inspiring those around her with her unwavering determination and positive outlook.