Detroit, MI — A high school soccer game took a terrifying turn on Aug. 27 when a kicked ball struck referee Samir Alnasir, 51, in the back of the head, leaving him unconscious on the field and facing months of recovery.
According to a GoFundMe organized by Alnasir’s family, the impact caused him to lose consciousness and collapse during the game at University of Detroit Jesuit High School.
What initially appeared to be a freak accident left Alnasir with four fractured bones in his neck, a concussion, a blood clot in his brain and nerve damage.
He now faces a lengthy recovery as his neck heals.
Six months of recovery expected
Alnasir is currently under strict bed rest and using a metal stabilization device to protect his neck while the fractures heal, according to his family’s fundraiser.
Doctors expect the recovery process to take around six months, followed by therapy.
The road to recovery began with an extended hospital stay. Alnasir spent two weeks in the hospital, including time in the intensive care unit, before he was able to return home, according to a local news outlet.
Despite the seriousness of his injuries, Alnasir said he remains grateful to be alive.
He told that he does not remember the moment the ball hit him. Before the game, however, he recalled having an uneasy feeling.
Looking back on what happened, he said his survival has given him reason to be thankful.
“Well, I said thank you, because God, I still live. And I still move my hand and my feet,” Alnasir said.
Accident creates financial strain for family
The injuries have also created significant challenges for Alnasir’s family.
He is a husband and father of four, while also helping care for his bedridden son, who has required medical care since birth and is currently in need of a kidney, according to the GoFundMe.
With Alnasir unable to work during his recovery, his wife is caring for him, their children and their son while also managing the household.
The family’s fundraiser is seeking financial assistance to help cover rent, household bills, food, medical expenses and recovery-related costs while Alnasir remains unable to work.
The sudden loss of his ability to earn an income has added another burden to a family already managing ongoing medical needs.
Community support gives referee encouragement
Alnasir is known in his community through his work as a soccer referee and captain, and the support following the accident has reportedly made a deep impression on him.
As he continues recovering at home, messages from friends, community members and others have helped him feel supported during a difficult period.
Alnasir said he was surprised by the kindness expressed by people following his injury.
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“From me and my family, we say thank you. And God bless you, bless everyone. Because now it’s how you feel about people. I’m surprised when I see what they write down for me. It means so much. I mean, rather than for me. And I never feel like I’m by myself,” Alnasir said.
For a man accustomed to being on the soccer field, the coming months will instead be focused on healing, rehabilitation and adjusting to life during a long recovery.
Long road ahead after freak soccer accident
The Aug. 27 incident has left Alnasir facing months of recovery and therapy after an unexpected moment during a high school soccer game caused severe injuries.
His family is now balancing his recovery with the needs of their children and their son, while seeking help with the financial costs created by his inability to work.
What would you do if a routine moment on the soccer field suddenly turned into a life-changing accident? Share your thoughts in the comments.