IDAHO FALLS — It’s been just over two years since Hannah Britton, 26, was involved in a devastating car accident that changed her life forever. She was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, and the accident killed her boyfriend.
Britton had numerous broken bones, a blown eye socket, and nine life-saving surgeries over the course of nine days.
Doctors told her that her injuries made it unlikely she’d be able to walk again. They also stated that due to her traumatic brain injury, she might not be able to complete her college degree, which she had a strong desire for.
But she created her own narrative and accomplished everything and more.
“My recovery has truly been nothing short of a miracle,” she said.
What happened
The incident took place on Aug. 11, 2023. Britton, who was living in Rexburg at the time, was with her boyfriend, Broc Stoddard. He was driving her white Nissan on the highway, and she was a passenger.
Just after 12:30 p.m. that day, Alonso Hernandez-Garcia lost control of his gray 2012 Honda Accord while driving east on U.S. 20. He drove through the median and into westbound traffic, colliding head-on with Britton’s vehicle, according to Idaho State Police.
A witness to the crash told a trooper that the Honda had passed her while traveling east on US 20 at speeds exceeding 90 mph. Court documents state that the speed limit in the area is 70 mph.
Britton was rushed by ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls before being flown by air ambulance to the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City.
Stoddard died of his injuries at the scene. He had just turned 22 years old three days before. He was known as being kind and respectful. “He made a huge impact with his big personality and his loving heart,” his obituary said.
“He was perfect. There’s not a better person than Broc. Just the love of my life,” Britton said in a previous interview.
Hernandez-Garcia was charged with felony vehicular manslaughter.
Looking back
Britton reflected on the previous two years and noticed a positive difference this year compared to 2024, a difficult time.
“On August 11, I awoke with overwhelming feelings of love… “I acknowledge every single blessing that I have,” she stated. “Happiness comes from gratitude.”
Britton recently shared a video on social media featuring snippets of her experiences since the accident. She tried a variety of therapies, including speech, occupational, and physical, to recover.
“Here I am reflecting on how I overcame what seemed impossible. Not only that, but I’ve created a wonderful life that I’m proud of. “I’m proud of all of the versions of myself that led me here,” she wrote in the post.
Britton received her digital and social media marketing degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho in December of last year, with a focus on visual communication. It was difficult with her traumatic brain injury and the grief she felt after losing Stoddard, but she had a lot of support and motivation to keep going.
“I’m religious, and I know a lot of it comes from my Savior and being so blessed. I’ve worked really hard. I also did it for my sweetheart Broc. “I want to make him proud, too,” she stated. “I simply had all the resources: a wonderful family, wonderful doctors, and the people around me. They are nothing but encouraging. With all of these factors, it’s difficult to fail.”
She enjoys and appreciates her job. She works in marketing for BRiO Home Health and Hospice in Idaho Falls.
“I get to help people who are in similar situations as me…” with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, which I desperately needed for a long time following my accident. “It fills my bucket every day to be a part of someone else’s recovery journey,” Britton said.
One of her post-crash goals was to return to the gym and exercise, which she was able to accomplish. Despite her limitations, she cannot miss it and enjoys it.
“The only thing I’m really struggling with right now is that I limp from pain in my (left) foot. “My brain injury occasionally causes me to lose my vision or my ability to speak,” she explained. “There’s some discomfort where the metal is, but nothing serious. That’s all I have left after all of my initial injuries, and I’m fine with it!”
Britton was walking while talking on the phone with EastIdahoNews.com. She explained that it took some time to get to her current location. She progressed from using a wheelchair, walker, and cane to crutches and eventually walking on her own.
“I’m taking a walk by myself right now. With no help! “I am completely independent,” she stated.
She has been able to walk independently for the last eight months.
Britton continues to live her life and has no time for hate.
“If I hated Alonso, it wouldn’t bring Broc back. That’s not going to restore my vision. “That’s not going to make my foot feel any better,” she said.
Rather, she hopes he will have a good life after serving his prison sentence, including a job and a family.
“I sincerely wish him the best. I hope it doesn’t bring him down. I hope he heals emotionally from this. That’s probably a lot of pressure on him,” Britton said. “He made a mistake, a stupid mistake, but that’s what it is. I don’t want August 11th to be a bad day for everyone. It’s a bad day for a lot of people, but I don’t think it has to be bad for everyone.”
Thank you
Britton has hit her big milestones, including going back to college, being successful in the gym, and having a great job. She’s even had opportunities to give motivational speeches about what she has been through.
She is grateful to the community for its support throughout her journey.
“I’m overjoyed with all of the love that I’ve received from people in the community, including those who don’t know me, all over eastern Idaho. “The people who donated to my GoFundMe to help with the next chapter of my life have meant the world to me,” Britton said.
Now, as she looks ahead, she hopes to continue her progress.
“Maybe one day you’ll get married and start a family. “Live the full American dream,” she said.
