Young basketballer’s update from hospital after five teens injured when car slammed into tree in East Tamworth
The young athlete was a passenger in a car carrying five teens when it slammed into a tree.
A promising basketballer seriously injured in a shocking regional crash has been moved out of intensive care.
Marcus Hayes, 17, was thrown from the car he was a backseat passenger in when it struck a tree in East Tamworth, NSW, about 8.40pm on July 10.
He was taken from King George V Ave to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle having suffered a spinal cord haemorrhage, vertebrae fractures, a shattered shoulder blade, liver and spleen lacerations and reduced movement in his right arm.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Another backseat passenger, a 17-year-old girl, suffered life-threatening head injuries in the crash and was taken to the same hospital where she remains in an induced coma.
Three others — two girls and a boy all aged 17 — were treated at Tamworth Hospital.
‘A lot of unknowns’
Marcus’ mum revealed he was moved from intensive care to the surgical trauma ward to continue his recovery on Friday.
“He’s been able to stand — while assisted — but there is concern with pins and needles and a lack of feeling in his right arm,” Kristie Seniuk told 7NEWS.com.au.
“We’re past the life-threatening stage but we’re still sitting with a lot of unknowns at the moment.”
The family is anxiously standing by for results from tests on his spine.
“He has a long road ahead and the waiting is probably the worst part,” Seniuk said.
“He looks at himself and doesn’t see the (internal injuries).
“He sees the cuts and grazes, but he looks ok considering he was flung from a car.
“Getting the CT scan results — that was devastating.
“He can’t go in the car for months, and he has to be really cautious — he’ll need to be cleared to run, to jump.”
Marcus previously visited the United States as part of the AUSA Hoops basketball pathway program and his mum said it would be tough for the athletic teen to be tied down while bursting to pursue his dream.
A GoFundMe has been launched for them by Holly Power, whose own son Logan Power was killed in a car accident in March 2025.
Power said Logan and Marcus had been best friends and she wanted to ease the burden on Marcus’ mum so she can focus on her boy’s care.
“As an athlete who’s whole life has been dedicated to basketball with prospects of a professional career these injuries are absolutely shattering and life changing for what Marcus may now be able to do,” Power said. “Marcus is the eldest of four and a role model to his younger siblings who are understandably devastated.”
Seniuk said the support from loved ones and friends had been immense, while hospital doctors, nurses and staff had been amazing in their care and explanations of treatment.
The police investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Originally published on 7NEWS
