Cape Girardeau – A miracle baby was delivered via emergency C-section after her mother, 26-year-old Sarah Iler was killed in a car accident.
According to the reports, Sarah Iler and her husband, Matt Rider, 34, were driving south on I-55 Wednesday morning.
Iler was already 1 cm dilated and past her due date. The couple had been on their way to the hospital to deliver the baby.
At approximately 8:04, a tanker truck crashed into a Nissan SUV, causing a chain reaction that ended with the couple’s vehicle, a red Chevrolet Blazer.
The Chevrolet overturned, throwing both Iler and Rider out of the vehicle.
Sarah Iler was killed on impact, but emergency responders were able to save her baby.
Emergency C-Section
Iler was brought to Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where the child was delivered by emergency C-section.
Sarah Iler’s doctors had instructed her to try to keep the baby in for as long as possible. Due to the mother’s slender frame, the baby was likely to be born underweight. After some time, it became clear that the baby would not wait.
Baby Maddyson was initially born in critical condition on Wednesday, weighing only four pounds and 15 ounces.
Doctors put her on a ventilator at first but she has now started breathing on her own, however, doctors say she could still suffer from long-term brain and lung damage.
According to the report, there was concern that Maddyson lacked oxygen for too long but it is too early to tell what the consequences will be.
Husband Recovering In St. Louis
Meanwhile, Rider, who had recently reconciled with Iler after being estranged for a time, is recovering in a St. Louis hospital.
He has had several surgeries and all four of his limbs were broken, as well as some of his ribs.
While he is not Maddyson’s biological father, Rider was excited about her upcoming birth. He had recently written on Facebook that he couldn’t wait to welcome baby Maddyson.
“I thank God for Sarah every day” he added to the post.
Go Fund Me For the Family
Sarah Iler’s sister, Kasandra organized a Go Fund Me page for Sarah’s funeral and the expenses for the new baby.
Sarah, who worked at Taco Bell, did not have life insurance.
Pregnancy & Car Accidents
We have written several blogs about the frequency of car accidents in different stages of pregnancy.
While pregnant mothers are not likely to be in a car accident in the final trimester, tragically, accidents can always happen even at the most critical time.
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident while pregnant, it is important to consult with an attorney right away. The added complications of pregnancy can complicate the claims process. You will need an attorney who can fight for your rights while you focus on your family.
For a free consultation, call 314-444-4444.