02/18/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Zgt3LZkoQ/
This last Friday on the 13th, my little sister Isabella Phillips, Hannah Hillegas, and my father Kurt Phillips were involved in a serious car accident at the intersection of Keough Rd and Hwy 196. It happened only about 30 minutes after Isabella received her driver’s permit and they left the DMV. What should have been a proud and exciting milestone turned into something none of us could have imagined. While practicing driving, they were struck by an oncoming 18-wheeler while turning left at the intersection. The impact pushed their vehicle across the road and into a near telephone pole.
By the grace of God, Isabella survived with only minor cuts and bruising. We are beyond grateful she is still here. What could have been so much worse ended with her walking away, and we will never take that for granted.
Hannah, however, suffered devastating and life-threatening injuries. The impact was so severe that first responders had to remove the rear passenger door to carefully cut her out of the vehicle before she could be transported. She was then airlifted by medical helicopter to the hospital due to the severity of her condition.
She has a severe level 3 traumatic brain injury with multiple small brain bleeds, including injury to her brain stem, along with significant brain swelling. In addition to her brain trauma, she has multiple spinal fractures from T4 down through her sacrum, a pancreatic injury, a broken arm and elbow, and several other serious injuries. She remains in critical condition in the ICU and is receiving the best care possible as doctors monitor her closely around the clock.
Hannah is also a mother to three children who need her. Two of her daughters, Hadlie Hillegas and Jolee Hillegas, already experienced the heartbreaking loss of their father to cancer in 2021. Our hearts ache knowing they are now facing another unimaginable situation. They need stability, strength, and support now more than ever.
Kurt suffered a fractured rib, whiplash, and bruising. We are thankful his and his daughters injuries were not more severe.
Please reach out to Trip Fountain through Facebook Messenger for more information on how you can help, to see her, or any further questions.
This has shaken our family to the core. We are asking for continued prayers for Hannah’s healing and recovery. If you feel led to help support medical expenses, her children, and the long road ahead, we have included a GoFundMe link below. Every prayer, share, repost, and contribution truly matters. Any donation made will go to Hannah’s mother, Renee, who will continue to take care of Hannah and her little girls.
https://gofund.me/d811438c9
