'I was just so happy he was alive': OKC man critically injured in 5 car pile-up

An Oklahoma City man is fighting to walk again---after a crash last week left him hospitalized with critical injuries.

Thursday morning, Desmond Rivera and three of his co-workers were just seconds away from pulling into the Hobby Lobby Distribution Center where they work.

They were stopped in their vehicles, waiting to turn, when police say they were rear-ended by a speeding driver in Southwest Oklahoma City.

The impact caused a chain reaction pile-up.

Shortly thereafter, Charlotte and Willie Rivera received a phone call that sent them racing to OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center. 

“He wants you, he's scared and he's been in a car accident,” said Desmond’s mother Charlotte Rivera. 

Their son, Desmond Rivera, 20, had been injured in a five-car collision that left multiple vehicles mangled.

“His car was hit on all sides, front, back passenger side, and driver's side,” said Desmond’s father Willie Rivera. 

Of all the victims, Desmond's injuries were the most critical.

“After seeing the car it’s a miracle he's alive,” said Willie Rivera.       

A coworker pulled him from the wreckage.

“Came and pulled Des out of the car because he couldn’t move,” said Charlotte Rivera.       

Once at the hospital, able to see their son, Desmond’s parents felt relief.

“He just kind of smiled, when I walked in he said ‘hey dad,’ like nothing happened,” said Willie Rivera.

“I was just so happy he was alive, and he could talk to us,” said Charlotte Rivera.       

With injuries to his neck and spinal cord---Desmond underwent surgery on Saturday.

Currently unable to move from the chest down, doctors and his parents are seeing signs of improvement thanks to physical therapy and sheer determination.           

“He’s like stand me up, I got it. Stand me up, I got it. “I’m ready to get out, let’s go,” said Willie and Charlotte Rivera.               

Despite the painful road ahead, the Riveras remain grateful.

“Laid up in that bed, he said thank you God for allowing me to wake up today, and I broke down,” said Willie Rivera.

“I can tell him I love him and he can say it back,” said Rivera.

Their family prays for healing.

“This is life-changing for him, for us, 'cause we do not know the outcome,” said Willie Rivera.

They also pray for everyone involved including the arrested driver Braulio Delgado.       

“If he can learn from this mistake and be a better person that would be good for me,” said Charlotte Rivera.                

With hospitals specializing in his injuries located out of state, Desmond has a long and expensive road ahead.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Desmond and his family with recovery expenses.

Donations to the Desmond Rivera Medical Fund can also be made at all Bancfirst locations.

The Riveras want Delgado held responsible. Police say the 24-year-old has never been issued an Oklahoma license.