Apple Watts, a former star of VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood, is recovering from a near-fatal car crash that left her with major injuries. On March 24, 2022, she experienced a crash with a pickup truck while navigating I-15 in Baker, California. Her vehicle, after multiple overturns, caught flame. Yet, a co-traveler from the truck saved her, leading to her emergency air transport to a Las Vegas medical facility.
The details of Apple Watts’ car crash
TMZ reported that Watts, in her black Mercedes, journeyed north on I-15, a road linking Los Angeles with Las Vegas. Her vehicle crashed into a Ford F250 pickup. This collision resulted in her car overturning multiple times, and a fiery explosion ensued upon halting. A passenger in the pickup truck managed to pull Watts out of the wreckage and call for help. She was then life-flighted to the University Medical Center in Las Vegas with “major injuries”, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Ramon Duran. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but authorities do not believe that drugs or alcohol were involved.
The extent of Apple Watts’ injuries
Watts suffered severe injuries due to the car crash, including a fractured skull, a broken spine, and a shattered arm. Her sister, Dominique Flournoy, told The Shade Room that Watts was unresponsive at the time and expected to have difficulties with “everyday functions such as walking and feeding herself due to injuries.” She also said that Watts had surgery on her neck on March 29, 2022, which was successful.
Updates on Apple Watts’ recovery process
On April 12, 2022, Flournoy provided an update on Watts’ condition on Instagram. She said that her sister still cannot close her right eye and will undergo another surgery on April 15, 2022, to put a weight in the lid that will allow her to open and close it. She also said that Watts’ nerves are damaged on that side and if the surgery is not done, she could have complications or even go blind because her eye is not closing all the way. She asked for prayers and support for her sister.
On April 13, 2022, Flournoy posted again on Instagram, sharing a screenshot of an internet search for “mrsa medical term”. MRSA is a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections and is resistant to many antibiotics. It is unclear if Watts has contracted MRSA or if Flournoy was just researching it.
Support and resources for Apple Watts
Watts has received an outpouring of support from her fans and friends on social media. Many have sent her messages of love, hope, and encouragement. Some have also shared links to fundraisers and resources to help her with her medical bills and recovery. For example, one fan created a GoFundMe page with a goal of $50,000 to assist Watts with her expenses. As of April 13, 2022, the page has raised over $7,000 from more than 200 donors.
Lessons learned from Apple Watts’ car crash
Watts’ car crash is a tragic reminder of the dangers of driving and the importance of safety precautions. In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded 36,096 deaths in US motor vehicle collisions. Factors that commonly lead to such incidents encompass rapid driving, lack of attention, impairment, exhaustion, weather, and technical malfunctions.
Watts’ car crash also shows the value of life and the need for gratitude and resilience. Watts has overcome many challenges in her life, such as growing up in foster care, working as a stripper, and pursuing a career in music. She has also shown her talent and charisma as a reality TV star and a model. She has inspired many people with her story and her personality. She deserves to recover fully and continue living her dreams.
How to prevent car accidents and stay safe on the road
There are many ways to prevent car accidents and stay safe on the road. Here are some tips:
- Always wear a seat belt and make sure your passengers do too.
- Maintain speed within the specified limit, adjusting for both the flow of traffic and current weather.
- Refuse to let distractions like texting, phone conversations, eating, or self-grooming interfere with your driving focus.
- Steer clear of operating a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants or in a state of fatigue.
- Ensure your car remains in prime shape, with frequent checks on tires, brakes, lights, and necessary fluids.
- Always keep a safe gap from other vehicles, staying mindful of your surrounding environment.
- Strictly adhere to traffic laws, signals, demonstrating respect for fellow drivers and pedestrians.
- In emergencies, dial 911 promptly, making sure to secure medical help if required.
