A talented young footballer who was critically injured after being hit by a van on the Aberdeen bypass has awoken from his coma, his family said today.
Flynn Scott, 18, had been in an induced coma since the horrifying accident on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) almost four weeks ago.
Speaking exclusively to the Press and Journal, Flynn’s mum Kay revealed he has amazed medics at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by saying his first words to her: “I love you”.
The police watchdog is currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the accident, which happened just before 2am on May 29, near the A944 Kingswells, Westhill and Alford junction of the AWPR.
Paramedics who were at the scene described it as one of the worst crashes they had ever attended and feared the teenager wouldn’t survive the night.
But against all the odds, former Cults Academy pupil Flynn is now moving and talking again.
Kay said: “They took the tracheostomy out on Thursday and he’s able to speak in a very low voice.
“The first thing he said to me was: ‘I love you’. The nurses were crying. I was crying. My husband was crying.”
An ‘absolute miracle’
Kay described her son’s recovery as an “absolute miracle” and said that the Westdyke Community Club Under 18s captain can even stand up with help.
He began showing signs of bouncing back when he started “squeezing hands” and “blinking on command,” she said.
And as his aunt visited him in hospital, Flynn waved and gave her the thumbs up.
He’s been moved from the intensive care unit (ICU) to a neurology ward at ARI.
Kay said: “Flynn had a horrific injury to his head. We were told on the night of the accident ‘it’s not looking good’.
“Right at the start, we were told the next 24 to 48 hours were critical because he was basically on death’s doorstep.
“Three and a bit weeks later and he’s now standing up with help.”
She said doctors have suggested her son has “a chance of full recovery” but added that there will be a “long journey ahead” for Flynn.
Kay said: “He’s in physiotherapy in the mornings. They’re trying to put him into a chair, help him with a sling to try and put a little bit of weight on his legs.”
The Scott family praised the Scottish Ambulance Service and ARI’s nurses and doctors, who they say have done a “miraculous job” of saving Flynn’s life.
One of the paramedics who attended the crash recently visited Flynn in hospital.
Kay said: “She thought it was the worst road traffic accident she’d ever seen and she thought that Flynn probably wouldn’t survive the night.
“She came to see him a few days ago and she was in shock. She said ‘this is what makes my job worthwhile’.
“Flynn gave her a high five and said ‘thank you’.”
For Flynn, plans for the future are now on hold.
His ordeal meant missing out on a holiday with his friends to Magaluf and after the summer break he was also looking forward to studying at the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) in Manchester.
Kay said: “They’ve actually said Flynn’s such a great application that they’re going to put it on hold until he’s well enough and they can then fast track it.”
She credited her son’s improving health to “the power of positivity”, explaining: “I believe in the power of spirituality because when Flynn was in a coma, we came in with energy, love and lots of stories and I think that’s brought him back from where he was. ”
“The power of positivity actually works,” she added.
Investigation ongoing
Police Scotland has declined to comment on the case, with a spokeswoman saying only: “That matter has been referred to the PIRC therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
A PIRC spokesperson said: “About 0155 hours on Sunday 29 May 2022, an 18-year-old pedestrian was struck by a van and critically injured on the A90 near Aberdeen.
“The PIRC are investigating police interaction with the injured party in the lead up to the collision.
“Following our investigation, a report will be submitted to the Chief Constable.”
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