I climbed into the car with three friends. I woke in hospital to find I’d lost them all
Rob Pike was 17 when he and three of his closest friends were in a car that smashed into a tree and split in half. He explains how he coped with the devastation
TL;DR
- Rob Pike, at 17, was in a car with three friends when a moment of speeding in the rain led to a catastrophic crash.
- He awoke in the hospital to discover all three friends had died, and his own legs had been severed in the accident.
- Pike experienced survivor's guilt and contemplated suicide but was inspired to live by the words of his deceased friend's father.
- He found a new passion and physical outlet in wheelchair basketball, leading to a professional career and coaching.
- Pike now dedicates his life to road safety advocacy and inspiring young people, while continuing to manage past trauma and recent health challenges.