BAKERSFIELD, California, February 7. KACY Aakhus, a walk-on swimmer at Cal State Bakersfield, is in stable condition after being involved in a hit-and-run accident Friday. Aakhus was riding a motorcyle when he was struck by a truck, whose driver left the scene. Wearing a helmet, Aakhus was thrown to the road and lay on the ground unable to move. Bystanders quickly attended to him.
Aakhus was moved to Kern Medical Center and has had a pair of surgeries on his right knee. Esteban Catanio has been arrested, as the license plate on his truck fell off after the hit-and-run. He was driving with a suspended license.
"There are far worse things that could have happened," Bakersfield swim coach Morgan Bailey said in an article in the Bakersfield Californian. "Kacy was fortunate to come away from this accident with his life. He's been a great contributor to the heart and soul of this program. We look forward to welcoming him back as soon as he's physically able."