Downey coach still in hospital after being hit by SUV on campus

Downey High assistant football coach Doug Holt, who was injured Saturday morning when a student driving on the track lost control of his sport-utility vehicle, remained hospitalized Monday with a broken shoulder blade.

“He went home the night of the accident but was in too much pain,” said Austin Holt, the coach’s son, “so hc went back and was readmitted. He has a fracture in his scapula. He also has pain in his back and leg, but that could be just general soreness from being hit by a car. Today, he’s getting a full-body CT scan.”

Austin Holt said that despite the crash and his injuries, his father is in good spirits.

Downey High Principal Richard Baum, who spoke with Doug Holt on Saturday, said much the same. “He said he was really happy with the outpouring of support he was receiving.”

The driver of the SUV was taken to a hospital for observation, then was released, Baum said.

The teen, whose name was withheld because he was under 18, had been delivering supplies for Saturday night’s prom to a tent erected on the field. Football players were running drills on another section of the playing area.

Holt was on a bench at the edge of the field when the SUV slid off the track and slammed into his bench before flipping onto its roof, witnesses said. Early estimates put the speed of the vehicle at about 35 mph.

The student was able to crawl out of the overturned vehicle. Other students were all around, and the driver appeared to have been showing off, Baum said Saturday.

Monday, the principal said. “The student is faring, physically, very well. Emotionally, he’s feeling very remorseful.”

The student – whom on Saturday Baum called “one of our best ... a leadership kid” – was not permitted to attend prom and has been given other school discipline, Baum said, without elaborating.

There were several vehicles on the track Saturday as students helped set up for prom, the principal said. “Ninety-nine percent of them acted and behaved as we would expect. ... We have students allowed to drive in several areas of the school when it’s not in session. In hindsight, we probably need to review the rules on where students are allowed to drive.”

This story was originally published May 11, 2015 at 11:59 AM with the headline "Downey coach still in hospital after being hit by SUV on campus."