The Kansas City Chiefs didn't beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2021 Super Bowl, but that's not the only thing they're lamenting. Days before the big game, outside linebackers coach Britt Reid was involved in a multi-vehicle car accident. Britt admitted to drinking before getting behind the wheel, but the accident itself is still being fully investigated.
Sadly, a 5-year-old girl was critically injured during the accident. Ariel is now awake from her coma, and friends and family members have been supporting her through a GoFundMe account.
The Chiefs did address what happened in a statement, which they released to People magazine. "The organization has been made aware of a multi-vehicle accident involving Outside Linebackers Coach, Britt Reid," they wrote. "We are in the process of gathering information, and we will have no further comment at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved."
In total, two children were injured in the crash. While Ariel is currently in the hospital, a 4-year-old boy was also in the Chevrolet Traverse that was involved. Luckily, he had non-life-threatening injuries. It was an unexpected situation that has led to many negative consequences.
The GoFundMe page gave some insight on Ariel and her backstory. "A little after 9 pm Thursday night, they were out helping a family member who ran out of gas near I-435 and Stadium Drive. While helping her relative a Ram pickup truck driven by the Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid crashed into the vehicles on the side of the road, one of which had a 4 and 5 year old in it," wrote family member Tiffany Verhulst.
"Ariel, 5 years old, suffered swelling in and bleeding in and around the brain. She is in critical condition and hasn’t woken since the crash," she continued. Right now, the family isn't prepared to deal with all of the medical expenses. It's unclear as to how long Ariel will remain in the hospital.
"Her mother is a single mom of 3 having to deal with this on her own due to covid restrictions," the GoFundMe page revealed. "Ariel will be in the hospital for the foreseeable future, this is set up for the hospital bills, weeks of missed work that will come and any other expenses this causes her. No child deserves to go through this, nor should any mother have to see her child like this."
They asked that the story be shared. Not only will every dollar help, but it's a good way to publicize what happened. If this coach did drive while intoxicated, it's an important story for people to hear — especially since Britt Reid reportedly doesn't have a great record when it comes to driving.
KCTV reports that Britt was open and honest about drinking prior to getting in the accident. "Reid told a responding officer that he had consumed 'two to three' drinks after the officer observed an odor of alcohol 'emanating' from Reid as well as 'bloodshot and red' eyes," wrote KCTV. "Reid also told the police that he takes prescription Adderall, according to the search warrant."
The outlet also reports that Britt has had "multiple prior DUI contacts." Aside from the outcome of this particular accident, that's one of the saddest parts of the story. Driving while intoxicated is something that shouldn't still be happening in 2021, especially with multiple car services available. Had Britt called one of them to get safely home, this most likely wouldn't have happened.
Britt Reid isn't the only son of Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid who has suffered from a troublesome relationship with substances. Unfortunately, Garrett Reid, who was an unofficial strength and conditioning coach for the Eagles, died at the age of 29 of a heroin overdose. The incident happened back in 2012.
Addictions are very real, often tragic health concerns. According to American Addiction Centers, around 38% of adults in 2017 battled an illicit drug use disorder. Also, around 1 out of every 8 adults were trying to battle both alcohol and drug use disorders simultaneously.
Addictions hurt not only the individual but often family and friends as well. And they can happen to anyone. The organization states that genetics make up 40% to 60% of a person’s risk of addiction. That means that it very easily can run in the family.
By driving drunk, you're risking the lives of everyone you come in contact with. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that one person dies every 50 minutes due to a drunk driving incident. The problem is much bigger than many people think.
While Britt is still being investigated, the fact that problematic behavior has continued to happen doesn't look good for his character. An incident like this could have happened any time he got behind the wheel while intoxicated. But now, poor Ariel's family is hoping their little girl survives the tragedy that happened that night.
"We appreciate any support that is given right now," reads Ariel's GoFundMe page. "To help get the word out please share the link on your Facebook profile. Thank you. Please note, I set this page up on their behalf, her mother has full access to all of the funds I had approval from her mother to make this page for her." Right now, their goal to raise $100,000 has already been passed.
Even if Britt happens to be cleared from this accident, hopefully this major incident is a reminder to him and others that actions can often have severe consequences. It's never too late to seek help and to break dangerous and potentially deadly habits. Hopefully, Ariel is able to recover from what happened — she has fans rooting for her nationwide.
