A horrific collision that could have been fatal has instead become a story of resilience and slow-but-steady healing, and now of accountability as a grand jury has indicted the person responsible.
23-year-old Gracey Breitschopf continues to make surprising progress after suffering a traumatic brain injury and severe spinal cord injuries in what authorities say was an intentional crash near 34th Street and University Avenue over a month ago.
A Lubbock County grand jury has since charged 20-year-old Javier Valenzzuela with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon resulting in brain injury or paralysis, a potential first-degree felony, along with additional counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for other victims involved in the crash.
From No Brain Activity to Speaking Again
When Gracey was first hospitalized 45 days ago, doctors feared the worst, and family members were told her brain showed no meaningful activity.
However, since then, her family says she has improved every day, progressing from communicating only with hand signals to speaking again, and even discussing her beloved pet with clarity. “She asked, ‘Where’s Indy?’” her cousin recalled, referring to Gracey’s Shih Tzu.
Her grandfather, Steve Osborn, says Gracey’s progress feels nothing short of miraculous. “Much improved. She improves every day,” Osborn told reporters.
Read More: The Alarming Truth About Fatal Crashes In Texas
Family and Community Rally Around Healing
Gracey was among three people hurt in the crash; her former college roommate suffered moderate injuries, and another motorist in a minivan was also injured.
The family has described the long road to recovery ahead — one that may include ongoing physical therapy and lifelong challenges. Yet they say the community support has been overwhelming, with donations and well-wishes helping them stay strong.
“This is a step in that direction for us to maybe get some closure,” Osborn said about the indictment. “When somebody makes that serious of a bad decision, the consequences need to be serious.”
Why This Matters for Lubbock
This incident has sparked larger conversations locally about road safety, mental health, and accountability, especially given that authorities allege the crash was intentional, part of a suicide attempt by the driver.
As Lubbock residents rally around Gracey’s recovery, questions remain about how to better support vulnerable people before a tragedy occurs — and how the justice system handles cases involving intentional harm.
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