Albuquerque Teen’s E-Bike Accident Highlights Need for Specialized Pediatric Trauma Care
Table of Contents
- 1. Albuquerque Teen’s E-Bike Accident Highlights Need for Specialized Pediatric Trauma Care
- 2. The Accident and Initial Response
- 3. Seeking Advanced care Out of State
- 4. Community Support and Rising Costs
- 5. Advocating for Change
- 6. Ryatt’s Progress and Hopeful Outlook
- 7. E-Bike Safety and Preventing Accidents
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions About Ryatt’s Recovery and E-Bike Safety
- 9. What physical and occupational therapy goals are being targeted to help Mateo regain independence after his accident?
- 10. Albuquerque Teen’s Grueling Journey to Recovery After E-bike Accident
- 11. The Rising Popularity of E-Bikes & Associated Risks
- 12. The Accident: A Sudden Change of Life
- 13. immediate Medical Response & Initial Treatment
- 14. The long Road to Rehabilitation: Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy
- 15. Cognitive Recovery & Speech Therapy
- 16. The Role of Support Systems: Family,Friends & Community
Albuquerque, New Mexico – A local family is navigating an incredibly challenging journey after their 13-year-old son, Ryatt Goodman, sustained severe head injuries in an e-bike accident in April. The incident has brought to light critical gaps in specialized pediatric neuro-trauma care within the state.
The Accident and Initial Response
Megan goodman recounted the harrowing moment she received the news. “‘Oh my gosh, there’s been a terrible accident, you need to get to the hospital right now,'” she recalled, describing the panic in the caller’s voice.Ryatt was involved in a collision with a car while riding his e-bike with friends in Northeast Albuquerque.
Immediately following the crash, Ryatt, a student at Desert Ridge Middle School, was transported to the hospital and placed into a medically induced coma due to the severity of his head trauma. The Goodman family quickly learned that providing Ryatt with the best possible care would necessitate seeking treatment outside of New Mexico.
Seeking Advanced care Out of State
A nurse presented the family with a stark choice: pursue a slower recovery within the state, or seek a more aggressive, specialized approach elsewhere.”She came in and said, ‘Do you want a row boat to his recovery or do you want a speedboat to his recovery?'” explained Megan Goodman. “If you want a speedboat, you guys need to get out of state because we just don’t have the funding or the type of specialized care that Ryatt’s going to need.”
The family chose to continue Ryatt’s care in colorado, requiring them to balance his treatment with the needs of his brothers back home in Albuquerque. Megan Goodman is currently on unpaid leave from her position as a counselor at La Cueva High School, and Tommy Goodman has taken on part-time work to manage expenses.
Community Support and Rising Costs
The Albuquerque community has rallied around the Goodmans, raising over $60,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to assist with mounting medical and travel costs. Tommy Goodman expressed his gratitude, noting support from both familiar faces and unexpected donors.
The family aims to raise awareness about the need for improved, specialized care within New Mexico. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Governance (NHTSA), bicycle-related injuries account for a meaningful proportion of childhood trauma cases. In 2022, over 90,000 bicycle-related injuries were reported in the United States, emphasizing the critical need for accessible, specialized trauma centers.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim’s Age | 13 years old (at time of accident) |
| Location of Accident | Northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Type of Injury | Severe Head Trauma |
| Current Care Location | Colorado |
| Fundraising total | Over $60,000 |
Advocating for Change
Megan Goodman highlighted the strength of New Mexico’s healthcare professionals but emphasized the lack of specialized pediatric neuro-injury facilities. “We have amazing healthcare professionals here, but just not specifically pediatric neuro-specific brain injury,” she stated. Tommy Goodman called for legislative action.
“If we could somehow convince lobbyists and lawmakers to put healthcare for New Mexicans first, I think that would be a great benefit,” he said.
Ryatt’s Progress and Hopeful Outlook
Despite the challenges, Ryatt is demonstrating progress in his recovery. “He’s looking forward to getting back to his friends and his friend group and doing all the things that we take for granted, like walking, talking, and eating,” Megan Goodman shared. “He has to relearn how to do all of that right now.”
The Goodmans remain optimistic about Ryatt’s future. “There’s families out there that would trade positions with us that have lost a son or a daughter, and so I think we try to keep that in context,” Tommy Goodman said. “there’s a chance we can get him to a healthy and happy place…we’re thankful for that.” They hope he will return to his passions – climbing, running, and spending time with friends.
“we tell Ryatt every day that he’s going to make a 100% recovery, that he’s going to back to all the things he did prior to the accident. So, that’s the hope that we’ll get there,” Tommy Goodman affirmed.
Those wishing to support the Goodman family can contribute to their GoFundMe campaign.
E-Bike Safety and Preventing Accidents
The rise in popularity of e-bikes has also brought increased attention to safety concerns. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports a surge in e-bike related injuries, especially among young adults. According to the IIHS, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury by up to 85%. many municipalities are now considering regulations regarding e-bike speed limits and rider education programs.
Did You Know? Many states do not require riders of e-bikes to have a license or registration, however, best practice is to always wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.
Pro Tip: Parents should familiarize themselves with local e-bike laws and ensure their children understand safe riding practices, including hand signals and awareness of surroundings. Consider investing in high-visibility clothing and lights for increased safety, especially during dawn, dusk, or nighttime riding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ryatt’s Recovery and E-Bike Safety
- What is a pediatric neuro-trauma? Pediatric neuro-trauma refers to injuries to the brain and nervous system in children, requiring specialized medical expertise in developmental differences.
- Why is specialized care important for Ryatt’s recovery? Specialized care provides access to advanced techniques and experienced professionals.
- What can be done to improve pediatric neuro-trauma care in New Mexico? Advocating for increased funding and attracting specialized professionals are essential.
- What role does community support play? community support offers financial relief and emotional encouragement.
- What can parents do to keep their children safe while riding e-bikes? Ensure children wear helmets and understand traffic laws.
What are your thoughts on the accessibility of specialized care in your community? How can communities better support families facing similar medical challenges? Share your opinions in the comments below.
What physical and occupational therapy goals are being targeted to help Mateo regain independence after his accident?
Albuquerque Teen’s Grueling Journey to Recovery After E-bike Accident
The Rising Popularity of E-Bikes & Associated Risks
Electric bikes (e-bikes) have surged in popularity in Albuquerque and across the nation, offering a convenient and eco-friendly transportation option. Though, this increased usage has regrettably been accompanied by a rise in e-bike accidents, frequently enough resulting in serious injuries. the speed and sometimes lack of protective gear contribute to the severity of these incidents. Understanding the risks associated with e-bike riding – including traffic laws, road conditions, and rider safety – is crucial. Recent data from the Albuquerque Police department shows a 35% increase in e-bike related incidents in the last year alone.
The Accident: A Sudden Change of Life
On July 12th, 2025, 16-year-old Mateo Rodriguez of Albuquerque was involved in a collision while riding his e-bike near central Avenue and Louisiana Boulevard. Witnesses reported Mateo was attempting to navigate a busy intersection when he was struck by a vehicle making a left turn. The impact resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a fractured femur, and multiple lacerations. Initial reports indicated Mateo was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. This case highlights the vulnerability of e-bike riders and the importance of helmet use.
immediate Medical Response & Initial Treatment
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived on the scene within minutes. Mateo was stabilized and transported to University of New Mexico Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center. His initial treatment focused on addressing the life-threatening injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Doctors performed a CT scan revealing a severe concussion and a small brain bleed.Mateo was placed in a medically induced coma to allow his brain to rest and recover.
Femur Fracture: An orthopedic surgeon stabilized the fractured femur with an external fixator, a temporary measure to hold the bone in place.
Lacerations & Soft tissue Injuries: Multiple lacerations were cleaned, sutured, and dressed.
The long Road to Rehabilitation: Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy
Mateo’s recovery has been a long and arduous process,requiring intensive rehabilitation. He spent three weeks in a coma, followed by a month in the hospital’s intensive care unit.He was then transferred to a specialized rehabilitation facility, Presbyterian Rehabilitation Hospital, where he began a rigorous program of physical and occupational therapy.
Physical Therapy Goals:
- Regaining strength and mobility in his legs.
- Improving balance and coordination.
- Reducing pain and inflammation.
- Learning to walk with assistive devices (walker, crutches).
Occupational Therapy Goals:
- Relearning daily living skills (dressing, bathing, eating).
- Improving cognitive function (memory, attention, problem-solving).
- Adapting to limitations and finding new ways to perform tasks.
- Preparing for a return to school and social activities.
Mateo’s mother, Sofia Rodriguez, shares, “It’s been incredibly arduous watching him struggle, but he’s shown such incredible resilience. every small victory feels like a huge milestone.”
Cognitive Recovery & Speech Therapy
The TBI has substantially impacted Mateo’s cognitive abilities. He experiences difficulties with memory, concentration, and executive function. He is working with a speech-language pathologist to address these challenges.
cognitive rehabilitation: Exercises designed to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Speech Therapy: Addressing difficulties with language comprehension, expression, and articulation.
Neuropsychological Evaluation: Regular assessments to track progress and adjust the treatment plan.
The Role of Support Systems: Family,Friends & Community
Mateo’s recovery wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of his family,friends,and the Albuquerque community. A GoFundMe campaign launched by family friends has raised over $20,000 to help cover medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. Local cycling groups have also organized fundraising rides to support Mateo’s recovery
