ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – A St. Augustine mother urged parents to take e-bike safety seriously after her son was seriously injured in a crash the Tuesday after Memorial Day.
Jackie McSwain said her son, Saquon, was riding an e-bike with his older sister near their home when the ride went wrong. The two crashed and were thrown forward.
Saquon’s head hit the asphalt.
The then 6-year-old was rushed to the hospital, where McSwain said doctors found brain swelling and injuries near his eye and performed surgery.
“I felt numb. I didn’t recognize my baby,” McSwain said. “And he gave me a thumbs up and he was like ‘Mom. I’m OK. I didn’t go to heaven.’”
In an interview with News4JAX, Saquon described what he remembered after the fall.
“I was in the bathroom looking at it,” he said pointing to his head. “It was almost through my brain.”
McSwain said her son was not supposed to be on the e-bike at all. She said the crash has forced her to have conversations with all her kids and share a message with others.
“Just step it out and say no.” she said. “As a parent, you learn all the time that friendly ride can turn tragic and thank God that Saquon is safe and OK, but it could be bad if they fall.
As Saquon continues follow-up care, McSwain said support has come in from neighbors, family, and the Nease football community.
“We thank God for the coaches, the support of our neighbors, family, friends, the sheriff department, everyone that has reached out,” she said.
Despite the injuries, McSwain said Saquon still has his big smile and is focused on football. He plays safety and told News4JAX his favorite player is Saquon Barkley.
A GoFundMe has been started to help the family with medical bills and related expenses as Saquon continues his recovery.