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Cris, Ana, and Lucia Bolle of Bridgewater were heading to Vermont when their car was struck by a drunk driver on Tuesday afternoon, August 22, a GoFundMe launched for their support says.
They were rushed to Albany Medical Center in New York, where Cris, a native of Argentina who received his Ph.D. in physics at Instituto Balseiro and completed post-doc work at Harvard, died from his injuries.
“He was a brilliant scientist who holds over a dozen patents,” reads the campaign. “He was also extremely skilled with his hands and enjoyed sailing. His proudest achievements were his amazing children.”
Cris’ daughter, Lucia, an incoming Freshman at Bridgewater Raritan High School, was left with a broken clavicle, a fractured skull, broken ribs, and a shattered pelvis. It took nearly a week for her brain injuries to stabilize to the point where doctors could safely begin treating her many physical injuries. She now faces many months of physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Lucia’s mother, Ana, meanwhile, was also hurt, requiring immediate hip replacement surgery, as well as other operations to treat several arm fractures.
Ana and the couple’s other children, Camila and Nick, now wait by Lucia’s side for her conditions to stabilize enough for her release, the campaign says — all the while mourning the loss of the family’s incredible husband and father, Cris, who worked at Bell Labs in New Jersey.
Described as “funny, kind, and talented,” Lucia is known for her rock-climbing skills, sense of humor, and ability to spread endless joy. She was forced to miss the start of her freshman year due to her injuries.
More than $77,300 has been raised for the family as of Friday, Sept. 15, and several supporters have shared the campaign on social media as well:
“The family is asking for your support as they begin the long road to recovery for Lucia; they are anxious to be able to return her to the Bridgewater area where they can draw support from their amazing community of family and friends,” reads the fundraiser. “We humbly ask for your assistance to help alleviate the financial strain this terrible accident has placed upon their family.”
Click here to view/donate to the Bolle Family of Bridgewater on GoFundMe.
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