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Brandon Hennel, 24, was critically injured on Jan. 8, 2025, when a massive sheet of ice flew off an 18-wheeler and smashed through his windshield as he drove south on I-83 in York County, according to a GoFundMe set up by his family.
The impact obliterated his orbital sockets, crushed his nasal cavity, and left him unrecognizable in the wreckage on the side of the highway. The tractor-trailer responsible has not been identified, the fundraiser says.
Hennel was rushed to York Hospital before being airlifted to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where he underwent a seven-hour facial reconstruction surgery performed by Dr. Samson and his team. He remained in the trauma unit for a month, fighting to regain basic abilities like eating, drinking, and seeing.
While his right eye is healing, doctors warn his left eye may never fully recover, and he may need to wear an eye patch indefinitely.
A determined Penn State University graduate, Hennel had been preparing to enter a Physician Assistant program this year, but the accident has sidelined his dreams. Still, his family says he is determined to give back after receiving lifesaving care.
“With continued prayers, and by the grace of God, we now know that Brandon is truly a warrior,” his family wrote.
He is now home, bedridden with his jaw wired shut, but is receiving at-home care. His road to recovery includes more reconstructive surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and vision therapy.
As he fights to regain his life, Hennel and his family are calling for stricter laws requiring truck drivers to clear ice and snow from their vehicles to prevent tragedies like this.
A GoFundMe launched to support his astronomical medical expenses has raised over $13,800 of its $15,000 goal.
Want to help Brandon on his road to recovery? Donate here.
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