Deerfield Train Crash Victim Improves, Remains in Spain

More than a month after Lucia Ruiz, a Caruso Middle School sixth grader, survived a train crash in Spain which killed 79 people and injured more than 100, her condition continues to improve but she remains in a Spanish hospital.

Since her initial hospitalization, Lucia has been moved to a second health care facility to be closer to specialists and an uncle who was also hurt in the crash along with an aunt. Lucia’s sister, Maria Ruiz, a South Park Elementary School third grader, was the only person on the train neither killed nor injured, according to a family friend.

“Her recovery is progressing, but still not to the point of being able to return home,” family friend Sara Breyfogel wrote on a website started by family friends to keep the community posted and raise money to help defray some of the expenses. “Unfortunately, her uncle has not progressed as everyone had hoped and he is still hospitalized.”

While Lucia lies in a hospital in Spain with multiple broken bones and other injuries, people in Deerfield have been busy sending love and raising money through the website. So far, more than $46,000 has been collected with six day remaining in the effort.

Money is not the only thing people in the community can do on the website for Lucia. They can also send hugs. She has received a number so far including one from Michael Powell.

“Lucia, I'm glad to hear you're making big steps in your recovery,” writes Powell in one of the hugs. “I'm sorry to read about what you, Maria, and your families are going through. Please know you're all in my thoughts.”

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