On Sunday, August 9, 2009, a sixteen-year-old girl from Melrose was critically injured in a New Mexico car crash. The teenager was driving eastbound on U.S. 60/84 when her car hit an SUV head-on. The accident occurred just after 4:30 p.m. Some reports indicate that she was trying to pass another vehicle, but others said she had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Jordan Beard, the teen driver, sustained multiple injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for medical care. For a few months she remained in a coma, and doctors did not expect her to live due to her severe head trauma.

Jordan came out of her coma and started her path to recovery. Because she  sustained brain injuries, the doctors don’t know exactly what her outcome will be. But her family and the doctors are amazed at her progress so far. After spending nine months in the hospital, she came home on May 15, 2010, to Melrose, New Mexico, to continue her recovery and to graduate from Melrose High School.

Car accidents in New Mexico can lead to serious injuries, and New Mexico Police say that this was a near-fatal car wreck. We are glad to hear of Jordan’s positive progress and wish her well in her continued recovery.