A Florida couple has tied the knot in a hospital after the groom was seriously injured in a head-on car crash on the way to their wedding.
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On Saturday, September 5, at around 4:30 p.m. local time, Kapri DeRamus was involved in the crash.
The incident occured in Altamonte Springs while he was traveling to the wedding venue to marry his fiancée, Tyasia Thomas.
DeRamus suffered fractures to both arms, as well as injuries to his jaw and a rib. This left the couple facing an unexpected change of plans.
Wedding Day Car Crash Leads Couple to Hospital Ceremony
Thomas learned about her partner's crash just an hour before their wedding ceremony was scheduled to begin.
She immediately traveled with her family to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where DeRamus was being treated. Rather than postponing their wedding, the couple decided to exchange their vows at the hospital.
Later that evening, while DeRamus remained hospitalized, friends and family gathered for an intimate ceremony led by the groom's grandfather.
"[DeRamus] was hospitalized with serious injuries so rather than saying 'I do' at the events center they selected in Altamonte Springs, the bride, Tyasia Thomas, and groom instead said their vows in a multipurpose room at [the hospital] later that evening," DeRamus' legal team said in a press release.
The crash is currently being investigated by the Altamonte Springs Police Department. As authorities work to determine what led to the collision.
After the ceremony, DeRamus was released from hospital on Wednesday, September 9.
GoFundMe Created to Support Newlywed Couple
Following the accident, Thomas' brother, Maurice, created a GoFundMe campaign to help the couple with some of the unexpected costs they are facing.
According to the fundraiser description, the pair were unable to go on their planned honeymoon due to medical expenses, their totaled vehicle and lost income.
"Because of the accident, my brother-in-law, who works in a warehouse, can't even scratch his own nose. Let alone go back to work to provide for his new wife," the description reads.
"My sister has been staying with him day and night, unable to sleep, and listening to him cry out in pain at night while the medication is not strong enough to ease it."
The fundraiser has raised nearly $3,500 toward its $7,000 goal in just four days.
In an update posted on September 11, Maurice thanked those who had donated. As well as those who helped spread awareness of the couple's situation.
"Thanks to your generosity, we were able to get news coverage and receive more donations," the update said. "Thank all of you for your kindness. The family cannot thank you enough."
"You have given my sister and brother the chance to be financially supported during an unexpected and difficult situation in a tough economy."
