header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
September 19
1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house


JustinCovarrubias4[KHTS] – A Santa Clarita Valley family is praying for their 16-year-old son’s recovery, after Canyon High junior Justin Covarrubias was seriously injured in a recent motocross crash in Rialto.

“It’s been a living nightmare — it’s awful,” said Jamie Covarrubias, Justin’s mother. “Everybody’s whole world is being turned upside down.”

Justin competed in four races Sept. 28, and around 4:30 p.m., Justin’s father saw something was amiss during his son’s last race on the Milestone MX track when he could no longer find him on the track during the race.

The family is still unclear on exactly how Justin became injured because he was riding alongside several others when his bike went down.

The crash didn’t look too bad at first and there was no collision on the track, according to witnesses, Jamie Covarrubias said. However, Justin was immediately taken to Arrowhead Regional Hospital, and after a CT Scan revealed spinal injuries, he was taken to Loma Linda.

JustinCovarrubias3Justin sustained a minor head injury, which doctors believe they were able to repair in surgery. However, more troubling were injuries Justin sustained to his spinal cord, his mother said.

The T-5 and T-6 vertebrae in the middle of his back were broken in the crash and, as of now, Justin has no feeling below his waist and a 3 percent chance of walking again.

“He could be the 3 percent,” Jamie Covarrubias said, “but the odds are against him. They haven’t had a chance to awaken him and (perform tests).”

There is still some uncertainty because Justin has had several complications since his hospitalization, she said.

After Justin was transferred to a specialized facility in Loma Linda due to the severity of his injuries, he came down with severe pneumonia because of his weakened immune system.

The illness left Justin in need of a breathing tube and the breathing tube led to a throat infection.

JustinCovarrubias1As a result, Justin has been heavily medicated and it’s been impossible for doctors to fully assess the extent of her son’s injuries, she said.

She described Justin as a good student who rides practically every weekend and doesn’t party much.

Justin picked up the motocross bug from his father at a young age, Jamie Covarrubias said. He learned how to balance on a bike at age 2, and by age 4 he was competing for fun and trophies with other kids, she said.

Justin’s 10-year-old brother set up a GiveForward page to help the family called “Pray for Justin 110,” which was a reference to his racing number.

JustinCovarrubias2“He has school and it’s been tough on him,” Jamie Covarrubias said, referring to her youngest. “He’s been having a lot of anxiety.”

The page has already raised $6,930 after a $5,000 goal, which has been a great  help to the family because they’ve constantly had to spend so many nights in a hotel, and they’re not sure when Justin will be able to come home.

In the meantime, the family has been commuting 100 miles to see Justin and taking time off work to stay with him, while Justin’s grandmother stays with the teen’s younger brother, Jamie Covarrubias said.

“It’s just awful,” Jamie Covarrubias said, “but at the same time, I thank God that I have him because it could have been worse, because I still have him.”

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

60 Comments

  1. Praying for this boy and his family. So sorry to hear this.

  2. Praying for this boy and his family. So sorry to hear this.

  3. So tragic. Love and prayers.

  4. So tragic. Love and prayers.

  5. Praying for Justin that he recuperates from all his complications and is able to walk again.

  6. Praying for Justin that he recuperates from all his complications and is able to walk again.

  7. Praying for him and his family.

  8. Praying for him and his family.

  9. Praying for a speedy recovery for Justin! Hope he gets well soon and you have your healthy baby back home soon!

  10. Prayers for all the family.

  11. Can you please post the link where people can donate?

  12. Praying for him to recover soon

  13. Lost my 15 year old son to the same sport so many love …..My prayers to the family and to Justin’s recovery.

  14. Meghann Dana says:

    Prayer for justin and his family

  15. Sorry too here that about your son.hope he will be alright.

  16. Praying for your son… My nephew was in a similar accident about 6 months and is paralyzed from the neck down… We have seen a very slight improvement but are grateful for any sign and will pray for your son as well

  17. With God, nothing is impossible. Praying.

  18. He really needs prayers as do all his family and friends! Praying for you all!

  19. Jason Burden says:

    In my thoughts and prayers

  20. Praying for Justin’s full recovery and praying for family to have strength & faith thru this difficult time. God Bless you all!

  21. Praying that the Lord will heal his body completely!

  22. Teri Cuadros says:

    Your in our prayers

  23. So horrible-praying for this family!

  24. Prayers for all of your family on their way.

  25. Jesse Jordan says:

    Here’s the link for anyone that wants to like the page and maybe donate and help the family out just scroll down a little the link is up there. They are a great family they are some of my best friends family members any help is very appreciated

    https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=696875950407465

  26. Prayers for Justin & his family.

  27. Greg Brown says:

    Praying for him and his family. This shows we are an “off-road” family here in the SCV.

  28. Greg Brown says:

    Praying for him and his family. This shows we are an “off-road” family here in the SCV.

  29. Prayers for Justin and family

  30. Jesus has the final say. I will be praying for this teen to walk again.

  31. Prayers!!!!#heal will place you in church service for every sunday so that you and your family may have faith and guidance thru this difficult time. God bless.♥

  32. Kyle Mccrea says:

    Justins update: justins Ct scan and chest x-ray show that his lungs have gotten worse. They are very filled with fluid and mucus. We had hope that they were improving for a couple days but the tests show that they have took a turn for the worse. It will take time for them to improve but they are working towards getting them healthy again. He did have a very scary rough night on thursday. His vitals were all very high and he was struggling to maintain oxygen. They worked on him most of the night and by yesterday he had improved. This was probably the toughest night we have had since we first got here and the surgery. He did have a better day yesterday and last night. Today he had also been able to rest his body. He is still running fevers on and off and the doctors are still trying to figure out the cause. We have learned that it is sometimes a reaction to spinal cord injuries for the body has trouble regulating body temperature. We continue to pray and look forward for the much better days ahead.

Leave a Comment


SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
COC Receives $300,000 NASA Grant to Expand Student Access to STEM Fields
The College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team has received a $300,000 grant from NASA’s Mentoring and Opportunities in STEM with Academic Institutions for Community Success program.
Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
Sept. 26: Community Invited to David March Park Expansion Groundbreaking
One of the city of Santa Clarita community’s most cherished parks, David March Park is set to expand, Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m., 28310 North Via Joyce Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 with a groundbreaking ceremony.
Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
COC Board of Trustees Appoints Carlos Guerrero to Area 5 Seat
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees appointed Carlos Guerrero to fill the board seat in Area 5, effective immediately, at its special Wednesday, Sept. 18 meeting.
Keep Up With Our Facebook

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team has received a $300,000 grant from NASA’s Mentoring and Opportunities in STEM with Academic Institutions for Community Success program.
COC Receives $300,000 NASA Grant to Expand Student Access to STEM Fields
Bring along a furry friend to the Santa Clarita Child & Family Center's Purple Walk Domestic Violence Awareness 5K on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 8-11 a.m. at the Center’s main facility 21545 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Oct. 5: 5K Purple Walk Dogs Against Domestic Violence
Written and directed by Braddon Mendelson, produced by Heather Mendelson, and co-produced by Olive Branch Theatricals and Noisivision Studios, "Provenance" will take stage at the The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321, Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27-29.
Sept. 27-29: Braddon Mendelson to Present ‘Provenance’ at The MAIN
The Master's women's volleyball team opened Great Southwest Athletic Conference play on the road in Prescott, Ariz. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, defeating the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles in straight sets 28-26, 25-22, 25-18.
TMU Women’s Volleyball Opens Conference Play with Road Win
College of the Canyons freshman Sahya Kitabatake shot a two-under-par round of 70 to tie for medalist honors while helping the Cougars place fourth at the Western State Conference tournament at Sterling Hills Golf Club in Camarillo on Monday, Sept. 16.
Kitabatake Medals, Canyons Women Take Fourth at Sterling Hills Golf Club
One of the city of Santa Clarita community’s most cherished parks, David March Park is set to expand, Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m., 28310 North Via Joyce Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 with a groundbreaking ceremony.
Sept. 26: Community Invited to David March Park Expansion Groundbreaking
SRD Straightening Reigns, a therapeutic organization offering equine assisted psychotherapy, has been awarded $278,870 from the California State budget to improve mental health services.
California Awards $278,870 in Funding to SRD Straightening Reins
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees appointed Carlos Guerrero to fill the board seat in Area 5, effective immediately, at its special Wednesday, Sept. 18 meeting.
COC Board of Trustees Appoints Carlos Guerrero to Area 5 Seat
California Institute of the Arts alums Alyssa Dressman Lehner and Clara Plestis captured Emmy Awards at the 76th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
Two Calartians Win 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards
Valencia High School's Choir will hold a fall concert, "Broadway, Movies & Media" at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. at the Saugus High School Theatre, 21900 Centurion Way, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Sept. 26-27: Valencia High Choir Presents Fall Concert ‘Broadway, Movies & Media’
As my wife, Virginia, and I stroll through our magnificent city, we admire the beautiful paseos and the expansive open spaces, but what really catches our eye, is the diverse works of art at every turn.
Bill Miranda | Santa Clarita Arts, a Journey Through Creativity
The California Department of Public Health is encouraging all Californians to get vaccinated this season to protect themselves and loved ones from respiratory viruses.
CDPH: Stay Up to Date on Vaccines
The Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library in collaboration with Santa Clarita Valley Libraries will have a silent Book Auction beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, through 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.
Sept. 30: Public Libraries to Host Silent Book Auctions
1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house
The Counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino today announced the opening of multiple joint Local Assistance Centers to assist residents impacted by the Bridge and Line Fires.
Joint Assistance Centers Open for Residents Impacted by Bridge, Line Fires
Valencia Gynecology Associates, owned by longtime Santa Clarita Valley OB-GYN physician Don Nishiguchi, MD, has joined the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital network. 
Valencia Gynecology Assoc. Joins Henry Mayo Network
JCI Santa Clarita is proud to announce the upcoming Veteran’s Resource Fair, scheduled to take place on Sept. 21 at William S. Hart Park. 
Sept. 21: JCI Invites All Veterans to Upcoming Resource Fair
A "friendies" field tournament  is being  hosted by the Saugus Instrumental Music program, with support from Valencia High, later this month. 
Sept. 21: All Valley Showcase Comes to Valencia High
Public, member-supported 88.5 FM The SoCal Sound, Southern California’s leading Triple-A (adult album alternative) format radio station has announced the lineup for its inaugural “Year-End Bash” taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Dec. 7: CSUN Owned 88.5-FM The SoCal Sound Announces “Year End Bash” Lineup featuring Ben Gibbard
The Master's University cross-country teams continued their successful 2024 campaigns with strong finishes at the BIOLA Invitational on Friday, Sept. 13 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, Calif.
TMU Women Win, Men Place Second at XC Invitational
Sheriff’s Department Announces New Law Enforcement Gang Policy
LASD Announces New Policy on Law Enforcement Gangs
The biology department at California State University, Northridge has stayed committed to promoting STEM research carried out by K-12 students and teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
CSUN Student Research Journal Celebrates 28 Years of Inspiring Scientific Imagination
Did you know the SCVEDC has an interactive, online tool that provides themed virtual tours of the amazing features the community has to offer? 
SCVEDC Offers Virtual Business Tours of the Santa Clarita Valley
California Institute of the Arts alum and visionary filmmaker Tim Burton (Film/Video 1979) was honored with the 2,788th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
CalArts Alum Tim Burton Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
SCVNews.com