Kingsville Woman Run Over by Boat, Fighting For Life
Whitney Sibol is on the road to recovery after a severe accident on June 3.
Photos
Whitney Sibol has opened her eyes and is forming words—these simple acts are now major accomplishments for the 23-year-old marketing consultant who was involved in a severe swimming accident last Sunday.
Sibol, who was training for a triathlon and participating in an Under Armour program to inspire young female athletes, was swimming in the Bird River in the late afternoon on June 3. Her father Tim Sibol and boyfriend Adam Pupo were operating a spotter boat and her mother Judy Sibol was swimming behind her. Buoys had also been set up to mark off the area.
In spite of the precautions, a power boat ran over Whitney Sibol, with the upper left side of her body taking the brunt of the hit. An artery was severed, her rib cage caved in, her pelvis and shoulder were severely damaged and her left arm had no pulse, among other injuries, her mother said.
Police told the family that the driver of the boat had been drinking alcohol, but not above the legal limit, Judy Sibol said.
Baltimore County police were not immediately available to confirm additional details on the person operating the boat.
"It's every parent's worst nightmare. To see your daughter lying there like this," Judy Sibol said. "They think they're partying out on the water and that it's still OK to drive. No matter what you're driving, you need a designated driver."
Whitney Sibol was immediately taken to Maryland Shock Trauma after the accident, where she received 10 hours of surgery. As of June 8, she remained in the hospital, recovering and facing more surgeries, her mother said.
"We were very concerned that she may lose her arm, but at that point, we just wanted her alive, though it looks like they were able to protect it," Judy Sibol said.
"She doesn't remember anything about the accident ... she keeps asking questions and just wants to be normal again. It will take a while, but they expect a good recovery," she added.
In the days following the accident, the Sibol family, Whitney's boyfriend and Whitney herself have drawn support from online social networks.
Many of those who have reached out are area residents, family and friends—the Sibol family has lived in Kingsville for the past 23 years and Whitney Sibol graduated Perry Hall High School in 2007. The family is using a service called CaringBridge to post updates on her progress and gather words of encouragement.
Under Armour has also used the main page for its What's Beautiful campaign to update fellow program participants on Whitney Sibol's progress. Posted messages from participants frequently mention prayers on her behalf and are labeled "Team Whitney."
Support has been extended on Facebook, as well. One What's Beautiful participant recently wrote on the program's page: "Please allow us to complete her challenges in her honor and to stand in solidarity for our sister. #TeamWhitney."
Whitney Sibol's program profile and athletic goals, posted before the accident, can be found here.
"Everybody is posting from all around the world, sending in videos. People from Hawaii are commenting. It's been incredible," Judy Sibol said.
Her daughter's athletic background is speeding the recovery progress, she said.
"It's been hard, but she's a tough girl," Judy Sibol said. "She's like, 'You tell me to move my fingers five times, I'll move them 10.'"
"We are optimistic, but we don't have a lot of a choice. Whitney just wants to move forward," she said.
Share your reaction and send a message to the Sibol family in the comments.
Spring Heeled Jack
3:56 pm on Friday, June 8, 2012
I have been boating for 20 years now (out of Bowleys Quarters). I can only tell you how crazy, crowded, and wild it has gotten over the years on the bay and in the inlets. We always had plenty of boats on the bay, but nowadays it seems extremely over crowded on the water. I can tell you the greater majority of boat owners are very responsible and alert when on the water, but there are a few people out there that go way to fast, get too drunk, don't understand signals and signs, or don't pay close attention to their surroundings.
Sad story, hopefully she will recover well. I feel this story will be seen more and more over the years come.
Jeff
9:18 pm on Friday, June 8, 2012
Prayers to Whitney and the entire family. All those who participate in Kingsville Rec will be praying for you!
Arlow
12:06 am on Saturday, June 9, 2012
I hope this idjit gets the fine of his life and some jail time.
Schultheis Family
12:19 am on Saturday, June 9, 2012
Praying for Whitney and The Sibol Family! We have added you all to our prayer chain at church and are thinking of you all! Our daughter Erica was truely inspired by you Whitney :) You're Mom is a fantastic person and I am sure you will have all the love and support you need. Stay strong and God Bless. With Love and Prayers, The Schultheis Family
Kay Vinton
8:38 am on Saturday, June 9, 2012
I am so sad to hear about this tragic accident. Whitney, you and your family are in my prayers. Keep fighting. Kay Vinton
Caryn
9:53 am on Saturday, June 9, 2012
I'm so sorry this tragic incident happened to this inspiring young woman. I agree with the first comment. As someone who grew up on the Bird River, part of what my family loves is that it is tucked away from the busy Middle River scene. Unfortunately, there are more and more boaters and jet skiers that are operating recklessly or without a license.
Rita Weber
9:57 am on Saturday, June 9, 2012
We continue to keep Whitney and her family in our thoughts and prayers.
Joan Wood
12:37 pm on Saturday, June 9, 2012
They tried to reduce the speed limit in Middle River and it was rejected...... this was copied from an article from Essex/Middle River Patch dated, November 3, 2011
Brian Schneider, who owns Tradewinds Marina, said extending the lower speed limit would kill business to those along Middle River, as boaters would be frustrated with not being able to fully utilize the river.
"This is a case of one marina trying to negatively hurt the 26 other marinas along with other businesses and restaurants like Carson's Creekside, River Watch and Marli's on Middle River," Schneider said.
Schneider said extending the slower speed limit would add up to 30 minutes to the trips of boaters heading in and out of Middle River, which would lead to many boaters to reconsider whether to make the trip.
He added that it could also lead to boaters with slips at marinas in Middle River to take their boats elsewhere. This, Schneider said, would lead many marinas to go out of business.
While I will admit Bird River and Middle River are two different bodies of water......there is an on going problem with reckless and careless boaters......
I hope this tragic story compels ALL boaters to SLOW down and NOT drink and drive.....same rules as driving a car.......
Praying for a full recovery for Whitney.
William Hays
7:49 pm on Saturday, June 9, 2012
Tim & Judy I am so sorry that this happened to your daughter. Fred & Trish have you in our prayers and praying for a full recovery.
The Carr Family
8:45 pm on Saturday, June 9, 2012
Judy and Tim-Our prayers are with you and Whitney! Just heard of the accident...sending you lots of support and love from Kingsville.
Terri Y.
12:31 am on Sunday, June 10, 2012
Keeping Whitney and the entire Sibol family in our thoughts and prayers.
Cindy McKew
3:25 pm on Sunday, June 10, 2012
O God who are the only source of health and healing, the spirit of calm and the central peace of this universe, grant the Sibol Family a consciousness of your indwelling and surrounding presence that may permit you to give their family and daughter, Whitney, health and strength and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Cindy McKew
April Puckett
6:31 pm on Sunday, June 10, 2012
Judy, you and your family remain in all our prayers. God speef your recovery, Whitney.
Millicent Chernich
7:53 pm on Sunday, June 10, 2012
Judy and Tim, my prayers are with all of you. I know God is wrapping his arms around Whitney and will protect. My exercise group prays for her each week. May God Bless all of the family. It was so nice to see both of you at the Yard Sale that Saturday.
Emily Kimball
9:18 am on Monday, June 11, 2012
For updates on her condition, be sure to check the CaringBridge website - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/WhitneySibol. On Sunday, it says that Whitney began eating real food.
Debra Bednarczyk
4:28 pm on Monday, June 11, 2012
Whitney, you are in our thoughts and prayers....May God bless you and keep you strong in His Strength.....The entire Bednarczyk family sends our love
Nancy Rosario
6:33 pm on Monday, June 11, 2012
Whitney, your strength and attitude are an inspiration to everyone who knows your story . I say a prayer everyday for you . Be strong and God bless. The Rosario Family
davethesuave
10:11 am on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
I don't know Whitney personally, but I work with her Dad occasionally, and he's a stand-up guy. When I heard about the accident, I was shocked and depressed, so I can only imagine how the family feels. Here's trusting she gets better soon, and has a full recovery if possible. The fact that she's a fit athlete will make tons of difference. Hang in there, Sibol family, it will get better.
Kimberly Huesman
1:15 pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Whitney we are praying for your full recovery. I can not imagine how difficult this is for you and your family. The Huesman Family
Scott Sewell
6:48 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
You are in my prayers Whitney.
carolyn popp
12:44 pm on Sunday, June 17, 2012
Mom-mom & Pop-pop Popp
Whitney - Is our granddaughter and from day 1, she has been a go getter. She is beautiful inside and out, and I don't just say that because I'm her grandmother. There are no words that express the sadness about this situation. Whitney will continue to become strong because her mom and dad have guided her to be whatever she could be, and now we see this. We pray for her daily.
Kris Marsheck
3:05 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
May God continue to hold you and your family through this tragedy--Prayers from The Marsheck Family
Sharon Placek
5:04 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Judy, Tim and Family,
We have been keeping tabs on Whitney's progress. She is an amazing, brave young woman. Having known her since she was a little girl we would have probably expecting nothing less. Our love, support and prayers are for all of you!
The Placeks
Scott Sewell
3:21 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
What is the latest on Whitney?
Judy Sibol
1:04 pm on Sunday, December 2, 2012
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Whitney continues make progress. She-still goes to therapy 3 days a week and amazes us with her determination. She is back to work and bought a home in Canton. She will run a 5k on Dec 9th. View results on caringbridge.org Thank you everyone!