WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WVEC) -- The Williamsburg community is rallying around one of their own after a devastating car crash.
17-year-old Juan Spence is on life support after his friend crashed just outside the parking lot of Warhill high school.
Police say the accident happened during Monday's torrential rain.
Now people around the area are banding together to help the Spence family with the medical bills.
James City County police say shortly after school let out, Spence got in the car with an 18-year-old man also from Warhill High School.
The man was driving a 2016 Mazda Hatchback down Stadium Road when he went off the right side of the road and hit a small sign. The car went airborne and flipped several times before landing on its roof.
Police say the driver was wearing a seatbelt and had minor injuries. He was treated and released at the scene.
Spence was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially pinned under the roof of the car.
Spence was taken to m MCV Campus Virginia Commonwealth University where he is currently listed in critical condition.
The family sent a statement to 13News Now that reads:
"The family of Juan Spence would like to thank WJCC first responders, WJCC police officer Ryan Moore, MCV medical staff, Warhill, Lafayette and Jamestown high school, parents, close friends, family and the Williamsburg community members. Juan is currently in the fight for his life but has shown daily improvements which reflects his strength and resilience."
Juan is a junior at Warhill high school, a higher achiever loved by his peers, a student-athlete and a community leader. Beyond a national honor Society scholar and a student athlete, Juan is a member of many student clubs, including WJCC student advisory committee and the JCC youth advisory Council.
Juan spent his previous two summers at UVA for their summer enrichment program. Juan also plans to attend the cornerstone summer Institute at UVA this summer and the Sentara Hospital junior volunteer program in August, as his dream is to become a neurosurgeon. Juan's ultimate goal is to help, scholarship, and promote his Christian faith.
Next summer Juan plans to either attend Yale or UVA to run track and field and pursue a neuroscience degree.
Dawson Adams has been good friends with Spence since middle school. He was devastated after hearing his friend was involved in a serious car accident.
“It's been rough,” Adams says. “He’s just a great guy and I love him like a brother.”
The cause of crash still under investigation. Police believe rain and speed were a factor. There have been no charges filed against the driver, but crash is still under investigation.
Warhill High School students have been collecting donations all week for the family.
A “Meal Train” website set up, as well as a GoFundMe.