Grief Turns to Hope as Father Learns Daughter is Alive After Police Tells Him She Died in Car Crash

Photo: (Photo : Jill Torrance/Getty Images)

Nebraska dad Tesfaye Ailbe was filled with grief and heartbreak when the police said that his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah Wadiso, died in a car crash. Hours later, however, he received a hopeful call informing him that she was still in the hospital.

Ailbe initially rushed to the scene when he learned of the car crash that happened during the Memorial Day weekend, according to People. The police allegedly confirmed that his daughter's body was on top of the car that rolled over and injured 20 more people. The dad broke down right on the street and prayed for his daughter.

With a heavy heart, Ailbe returned home and got then unexpected call. Wadiso did not die in the crash, but she was in critical condition at the hospital. Doctors told the father that she had crushed her pelvis, yet they expected her to recover.

Read Also: Father Who Lost Both Legs in Hit-and-Run Remains Positive He'll Walk Again

Dad Knew Something Bad Was Going to Happen

Before the car crash, Ailbe had a bad feeling that something bad would happen after his family celebrated Wadiso's high school graduation. That night, the teenager asked permission from her dad to watch a street race because everyone she knew would be there.

Ailbe told KETV that something inside him didn't settle down, so he tried to follow his daughter and her friends. He couldn't find them anymore, so he decided to go home. After four hours, Ailbe got a stranger's call saying something had happened to his daughter. That person helped pull Wadiso out of the crash.

However, when the father arrived, the police told him the most devastating news any parent never wanted to hear. On Friday, June 10, the local police department issued a statement acknowledging their mistake as they evaluated the response to the accident.

"We recognize the grief this tragic misunderstanding caused for all involved," Police Chief Teresa Ewins said, per KOLN. "We continue to work with Mr. Alibe and have acknowledged our sincere regret."

Despite this, Ailbe is more than relieved to be worrying about paying for his daughter's medical bills and not planning her funeral. She is expected to undergo more than ten weeks of rehabilitation. 

What Happened at the Car Crash

According to reports, Kyvell Stark, the 18-year-old driver who caused the car crash, was going at 90 miles per hour. He had a learner's permit only and was also positive for marijuana.

The police charged Stark with two counts of manslaughter for the deaths of Edith Hermosillo, 22, and Emily Siebenhor, 20. He is also facing charges of driving while under the influence.

The teenager is currently at the Lancaster Community Corrections with a $50,000 bond. If convicted, Stark could stay in prison for 46 years.

Ailbe said he has no anger in his heart for the driver but feels terrible for the other victims and their families. The father said he wants to focus on his daughter's recovery and embrace how God has been good to spare Wadiso's life. 

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