Carencro native hospitalized with brain injury after Florida golf cart accident

CARENCRO, La. (KLFY) — An 18-year-old Carencro native is facing a long road to recovery after a serious accident during a family vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida. According to family members, Christian Hamilton was riding on the passenger side of a golf cart when it overturned, causing him to be thrown from the moving vehicle and suffer a traumatic head injury. He was transported to a nearby trauma hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery to remove a hematoma from his brain. Christian remains in the intensive care unit under constant monitoring as he awaits an additional surgery. While he has shown some signs of life, his godmother, Robbie Dunn, said he is not fully aware of his surroundings and is not yet acting like himself. “He’s somewhat responsive, but he’s just not fully there yet,” Dunn said. “We’re taking it one day at a time and hoping for continued progress.” Doctors have warned the family that Christian may experience long-term effects, including changes in personality and impulse control. As a result, he is expected to require around-the-clock care once he returns home. “They’ve told us he’s going to need someone with him at all times,” Dunn said. “This is going to be a major adjustment for the entire family.” Due to the level of care required, family members anticipate that one of Christian’s parents may have to leave their job to care for him full time. In response, loved ones have created a GoFundMe page to help offset mounting medical expenses and future care needs. “This is going to be a long journey, not just for Christian, but for everyone who loves him,” Dunn said. “We’re asking the community to keep him in their prayers and support however they can.” In addition to financial contributions, community members are encouraged to send cards and messages of encouragement to the family to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay 615 N Bonita Ave A, Panama City, FL 32401.