Colorado woman is still fighting for her life two months after she was hit by a suspected drunk driver

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – In early August, 34-year-old Aaften Wesbrock was leaving a concert in Sturgis, South Dakota when she was allegedly hit by a drunk motorcyclist, leaving her unresponsive and suffering life-threatening injuries.

Two months later, Aaften is still fighting for his life in hospital.

Although Aaften was still unresponsive, her friend Miranda Colosimo said physical therapists were working to get her seated and stable. Aaften’s family is working to get her back to Colorado to be closer to her father and friends, and they hope to have her transferred soon.

Aaften’s father said: “Slowly but surely” she is making progress. She could follow the nurse with her eyes. Her father asked for positive sentiments for Aaften, her family and friends.

Aaften was hit from behind, causing her to hit her head. Her father, Chris Wesbrock, said she suffered a severe brain injury. Since that day, she has been fighting for her life at Monument Healthcare Rapid City in South Dakota.

The man suspected of hitting her, 34-year-old Robert Shipp, was arrested and charged with damaging a vehicle and being under the influence. Shipp was released from the Meade County Jail a few days later.

The Colorado native was born and raised in Lakewood and moved to Colorado Springs in April to be closer to her father. She recently started bartending at Shrunken Head Tiki in downtown Colorado Springs.

“Aaften recently moved to Colorado Springs from Denver, and in the short time she’s been here, she’s made such a huge impact on the city,” said Audriana Zepeda, owner of Shrunken Head Tiki. “She was very vocal about how much she loved her dad and how close they were.”

As soon as Aaften’s friends heard about the injury, they rushed to her side.

“I was shocked and confused and sad and didn’t know exactly what was going on,” Colosimo said. “We just got in the car within an hour of finding out and headed to the hospital.”

After the injury, she developed a blood clot, where doctors removed part of her skull. Colosimo said she and the doctors thought it was a miracle she made it through the night. On August 20, Aaften’s father said she was on full life support with severe brain damage. Despite this, her condition was improving.

“She’s the most loving, caring, kind soul in this whole world, and she doesn’t deserve this,” Colosimo said. “Worrying if she’s going to be the same person she was before this happened is a terrifying thought.”

Aaften’s friends worked to create the best possible environment for her while she continued to fight. Colosimo said they created a photo wall and created a way for people to send her virtual cards, which they hung on the hospital wall.

“Even though she was unconscious, we read her cards so she could hear kind words and heartfelt support,” Colosimo said. “The point is really to humanize Aaften so that doctors and nurses get to know the Aaften we know, not just as a patient.”

Although Aaften is still unresponsive and on life support, the stories of other brain injury victims have helped keep her family and friends hopeful. While doctors said that if she survives, she will likely seek long-term medical care and assistance, survivors have told their own stories of recovery and being able to live normal, productive lives.

“Miracles happen every day,” Colosimo said. “These are the stories we really hold on to, and it gives us hope that this can also be Aaften.”

Colosimo created a GoFundMe to help financially support Aaften and her family during the long recovery process.

“She’s a fraud,” Colosimo said. “She’s always worked her whole life and the last thing I want her to worry about when she wakes up is her finances.”

Aaften’s friends and family also held a benefit event on October 12 at Rockabillies at 12363 W 64th Ave in Arvada to help raise money and show their undying support for Aaften.

“It’s just to really rally for Aaften and show her what an army is behind her as she fights the biggest battle of her life,” Colosimo said.

Colosimo said the benefit was well attended, with love and support from Aaften.

“It’s hard to know what the future may bring, but I know Aaften is a fighter,” Colosimo said. “I know she’s always been a fighter. I know she won’t give up and I know she will keep fighting forever. I think it is not that her life should be eternal. I think she will fight until she gets better. No one can say for sure what looks better. But I know Aaften and I know that Aaften will not give up so easily.”

Visit Aaften’s GoFundMe to learn how you can help her and her family.