BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — The family of a Dundalk man who was struck by a car on I-695 on Tuesday has started a GoFundMe to help with his recovery.
Family launches GoFundMe for Dundalk man injured in I-695 pedestrian crash
Maryland State Police say troopers responded to the area of inner loop I-695 at Cove Road for reports of a pedestrian-involved crash.
Investigators found the 30-year-old victim, CJ Sammons, was struck while outside of his vehicle.
RELATED: Person hospitalized after being struck by vehicle on I-695 at Cove Road
"They're saying he was thrown almost half a football field, and that's the most insane thing I've ever heard, and I don't know how he survived, but I'm so thankful," His fiancée, Taylor Schappell, said.
His car had broken down and was being towed when the crash happened on June 14. More than a week later, Sammons remains in the ICU with severe injuries.
"He has a laceration on his liver, his right arm is broken, his left leg is broken in four places, he has a gash on the side of his head. It's so heartbreaking to see him like this," Schappell said.
The couple had been planning their wedding before the crash. Schappell said she has put those plans on hold to focus on managing mounting medical bills.
"Our main job is a small company, so they don't offer employees any insurance; it all falls back on me at the end of the day," Schappell said.
Schappell also works three other jobs but said she has stepped back from her usual schedule to be by Sammons' side.
"It's really hard for me not to work my two jobs a day and sit on my butt, but I need to be there for him, and there's no place I'd rather be," Schappell said. "He is the most wonderful man I've ever met in my life; he is my perfect other half."
Community members have rallied around the couple, raising more than $7,000 to help cover costs.
"It gives me so much hope that there's good people out there and the kindness is really getting us through all of this, it gives us strength," Schappell said.
Schappell said the family has a nickname for Sammons as he fights to recover.
"We're calling him Superman right now, telling him he can fly," Schappell said.
Doctors are hopeful Sammons will make a full recovery by the couple's wedding date in October 2027.
Maryland State Police say the investigation into the crash remains active and ongoing.
