UMHS Student in Hit-and-Run Expected to Make Full Recovery

After undergoing surgery on Monday at Childern’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for severe injuries sustained in a hit-and-run incident, 15-year-old is expected to make a full recovery, family sources say.

However, family members also say his recuperation will be a long and difficult one.

“Head injuries could take months,” Ed Coutts, Matt’s father said earlier this week. “He’s in and out, and still in a lot of pain.”

, Matt was riding his skateboard with friends along the eastbound side of the 200 block of Tomlinson Road in Northeast Philadelphia at approximately 9:30 p.m., March 30.

At that time, reports say, a silver Honda Odyssey was travelling westbound, when it swerved into Matt and Matt’s friend, also a 15-year-old male, who was riding his bicycle.

According to Ed Coutts, the male on the bicycle was able to jump off and escape the collision with minor injuries, while Matt was hit with the vehicle’s front, left fender, throwing Matt several feet into a parked car.

From the incident, Matt suffered a broken left shoulder, broken left leg below the knee and abrasions all over his body, caused by intense road rash. He also suffered head trauma, which caused swelling in the brain.

“He wouldn’t have made it if he wasn’t wearing his helmet,” Ed Coutts said. “The surgeon told me that.”

Ed Coutts said that his son has regained consciousness since his surgery on Monday, but due to heavy medication, is sometimes incoherent, but is recuperating slowly.

Just yesterday, it was reported that Matt was able to move the toes on his broken leg.

During moments of clarity, Ed Coutts said that Matt complains of intense pain and expresses frustration that the incident happened to him.

According to a family source, Matt had saved up and made a deposit for a trip to a skateboarding camp in the summer, just three days prior to the incident.

“He just wants to get out of here and go home,” Ed Coutts said.

According to Matt’s doctors, the Upper Moreland High School freshman is expected to stay at CHOP for another four-to-six weeks.

Ed Coutts, a Fort Washington firefighter of 30 years, say that he and his wife have taken turns staying with their son at the hospital both day and night.

‘Stay Strong Matt Coutts’

Ed Coutts said that he has been overwhelmed by the selfless show of support from family, friends, neighbors and even strangers for Matt. He said that his neighbors have taken it upon themselves to do chores around his home, such as mow the lawn, while he is with Matt. Other neighbors have made care packages for the family.

On Sunday, April 1, Matt’s sister created a Facebook page called, “Stay Strong Matt Coutts,” which gained over 200 likes within a few days, as well as numerous get-well messages.

“Every day I’ve cried, knowing how many people support him,” Sarah McGlade, Matt’s aunt, said. “It amazes me.”

McGlade said that she and her brother Ed are two of 10 siblings, while Matt is part of 29 cousins, many of whom are around Matt’s age. She said that her large family is very close, and once Matt’s story got out through online social media networks, such as Facebook, the family became overwhelmed with support and were asked how people could help.

The family decided to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the hit-and-run suspect. An additional $1,000 reward has been offered for any auto body shops that can identify the damaged silver Honda Odyssey.  

“We all were so shocked this that someone could just leave the scene,” McGlade said. “We hope and pray this person comes forward and turns themselves in.”

Matt’s family contacted major local news media about the reward, as well as advertised it on the Stay Strong Matt Coutts Facebook page.

Beef-and-Beer for Matthew Coutts

In order to help pay for the reward, as well as the special home-arrangements needed for Matt’s homecoming, which includes the installation of a first-floor bathroom and entry ramp, the Coutts family is hosting a “Beef-and-Beer for Matthew Coutts” event on May 11.

According to McGlade, the event was originally organized for a late April date, but had to be pushed forward, as over 250 people have sent in an R.S.V.P. already, requiring a larger venue.

The “Beef-and-Beer for Matthew Coutts” will take place from 7 – 11 p.m. at the North Penn VFW, located 2519 Jenkintown Road in Glenside.

The event will feature raffle baskets containing Eagles, Phillies and other local sports teams’ tickets.

According to McGlade, an Ambler resident, other local businesses will contribute, and several local restaurants will cater the event from Upper Moreland to Ambler. 

The event costs $35 per adult and $25 for individuals 21-years-old and under.

In addition, McGlade has set up a separate account in an Ambler bank account to receive benefit funds as well as general donations (see below for details).

And while supporters for Matt and his family are growing in numbers by the day, investigators have not reported any further leads as to the whereabouts of the suspected hit-and-run driver.

In other news reports, Ed Coutts expressed anger that the whole incident occurred as well as and outrage that the driver never made the attempt to help his injured son.

“His friends say the car stopped for a few seconds and then moved on,” Ed Coutts said, then turned his comments directly to the hit-and-run suspect. “I hope you have a guilty conscious that eats at you forever.” 

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To R.S.V.P. for the event, make checks payable to “Benefit for Matthew Coutts,” 135 Walnut Lane, Ambler, PA 19002.

For more information, please call 215-540-1996 or visit the Beef and Beer for Matthew Coutts Facebook page.

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