A 45-year-old woman from Minnesota is facing life-changing injuries after being struck by an SUV during a triathlon in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Ashleigh Whitton was competing in the Bill Bone Olympic Triathlon at Okeeheelee Park on April 12 when the crash occurred, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down and fighting for her life in the hospital.
According to reports from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Whitton and another cyclist were riding along a partially closed stretch of road on Forest Hill Boulevard when a 2025 Hyundai Tucson crossed into their path.
The driver, a 75-year-old man from Boynton Beach, was traveling north across the boulevard when the collision happened shortly before 9 a.m. Authorities stated that neither the cyclists nor the driver saw each other in time to avoid impact.
Emergency crews responded quickly, and Whitton was airlifted to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach. She underwent emergency surgery to stabilize her spinal cord after suffering catastrophic injuries.
Medical staff also treated brain swelling and bleeding. She was placed in a medically induced coma and remains in intensive care on a ventilator.
Family members and friends confirmed through a fundraising page that Whitton is currently paralyzed from the neck down. Doctors have not yet determined whether she will regain the ability to breathe independently.
Despite the severity of her condition, loved ones reported a brief moment of responsiveness when she was able to blink in response to her husband’s voice, which they described as a small but meaningful sign of awareness.
Whitton, who is from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, was participating in the event alongside another cyclist who was also injured. That rider, identified as 46-year-old Miguel Junior Gomez of Oakland Park, was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
Authorities have described the crash as unavoidable based on early findings. As of April 14, no charges had been filed against the driver while the investigation continues.
Officials have not released details about the speed of the vehicle at the time of the collision.
Family and community rally around recovery effort
Whitton’s condition has sparked an outpouring of support from family, friends, and the wider triathlon and fitness community.
A GoFundMe campaign launched shortly after the incident has raised tens of thousands of dollars to help cover medical costs, long-term care, rehabilitation, and travel expenses for her family.
The fundraiser describes Whitton as a dedicated mother and stepmother who became involved in triathlon training in recent years after her daughter left for college.
Friends have spoken about her energy and encouragement toward others in fitness circles, saying she inspired people through her commitment and positivity.
At St. Mary’s Medical Center, Whitton’s husband, daughter, and stepdaughter have been staying close as doctors continue to monitor her condition.
Medical teams expect her recovery journey, if possible, will involve weeks or months of hospital care followed by extensive rehabilitation.
Friends have described the situation as devastating but continue to highlight small signs of responsiveness as reasons for cautious hope.
They say Whitton has shown moments where she appears to recognize voices and respond in limited ways, which they believe suggests some level of awareness despite her critical condition.
The incident has also raised concerns within the athletic community about safety measures during large-scale road events.
While portions of the course were reportedly closed for the triathlon, the collision occurred at an intersection where traffic crossed into the race route.
As Whitton’s family prepares for an uncertain future, supporters continue to donate and share messages of encouragement.
The focus now remains on her medical stability and the long recovery process ahead, as doctors work to determine the full extent of her injuries and possible outcomes.
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