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She Was About to Live Her Dream as a Disney World Cast Member, Until a Drunk Driver Stepped In

A road leading to the entrance of Walt Disney World is shown, with a large, colorful archway overhead. The arch features the Walt Disney World logo, the phrase "The Most Magical Place on Earth," and images of Mickey Mouse on the left and Minnie Mouse on the right. Tiana's Bayou Adventure awaits inside.
Credit: Becky Burkett

Collision and Its Immediate Aftermath

A tragic accident occurred involving Kiki, an aspiring Disney World cast member, and her brother Will, when they were struck head-on by a drunk driver while traveling through Montana. The siblings were en route from Airway Heights, Washington, to Central Florida, brimming with anticipation over Kiki’s new opportunity at Disney World. The collision resulted in severe damage to their vehicle and inflicted serious injuries on both individuals.

A group photo of three Disney cast members standing with Pluto and Goofy. The smiling cast members are holding a circular sign that reads, "We are the magic." They are outdoors, with trees and lights in the crisp background, truly showing what it means to be part of the Disney enchantment.

Credit: Disney

Emergency services responded promptly, transporting the siblings to St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings, Montana. Upon arrival, Kiki was found to have sustained life-threatening injuries, including broken ribs, fractures in her neck and back, internal bleeding, and a ruptured intestine. She required immediate surgery, which ultimately saved her life.

Will suffered a dislocated shoulder, bruising to his lungs, and a leg fissure, necessitating the use of a cane for mobility. While Will has since been discharged, Kiki remains hospitalized, facing a long and arduous recovery.

The Impact on Kiki’s Disney Dreams

Kiki’s dream of becoming a Disney World cast member had been a lifelong pursuit, and she was finally on the brink of achieving it. However, the car accident’s aftermath has thrown her future into uncertainty. The emotional burden of the incident weighs heavily on both siblings, particularly Kiki, who now grapples with the possibility that her dreams may be delayed or unachievable due to her medical condition.

Disney cast members posing in a frame that reads "we are the magic"

Credit: Disney

While Will’s prognosis appears more hopeful, Kiki is confronted with the reality of her severe injuries and the long road ahead of rehabilitation. The siblings’ joint aspirations of thriving as Disney World cast members remain precariously at risk following this devastating event. The trauma has not only impacted their health but also their ambitions and futures.

Financial Struggles Following the Accident

In light of the accident, Kiki and Will now face the daunting challenge of medical expenses. Their sister, Krysta Prater, has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help alleviate the financial burden associated with their treatment. The fundraising effort seeks to support the siblings in paying for significant medical costs that continue to accumulate.

Flamingo Crossings Cast Members Housing

Credit: Disney

Compounding their financial difficulties is that the driver responsible for the wreck was uninsured. This lack of insurance puts a heavier economic burden on Kiki and Will, as they remain primarily accountable for their medical expenses. Montana law requires that the at-fault driver could face legal repercussions, including potential penalties of up to 24 months in prison and a $1,000 fine for a first offense. The absence of insurance also clouds the siblings’ recovery path as they now confront the prospect of long-term financial instability.

Addressing the Issue of Drunk Driving

The incident involving Kiki and Will serves as a stark reminder of the consequences associated with drunk driving. According to statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a drunk driving incident occurs approximately every 78 seconds in the United States, resulting in injuries or fatalities. Furthermore, around one-third of all traffic accidents in the nation are attributed to intoxicated drivers.

Cast Members

Credit: D23

This unfortunate event underscores the importance of community awareness regarding the dangers of operating a vehicle under the influence. Advocacy groups like MADD are crucial in implementing educational campaigns to prevent such tragedies. By raising awareness about responsible driving behavior, the hope is to minimize the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.

As Kiki and Will navigate the aftermath of this life-altering experience, their story emphasizes the need for increased dialogue around the profound implications of drunk driving. Their experiences must serve to encourage a societal commitment to minimizing these occurrences, protecting individuals with aspirations similar to those of Kiki, who was on the verge of becoming a proud Disney World cast member.

About Rick Lye

Rick is an avid Disney fan. He first went to Disney World in 1986 with his parents and has been hooked ever since. Rick is married to another Disney fan and is in the process of turning his two children into fans as well. When he is not creating new Disney adventures, he loves to watch the New York Yankees and hang out with his dog, Buster. In the fall, you will catch him cheering for his beloved NY Giants.

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