MURRAY, Utah (ABC4 News) – For family and loved ones of Eric Peterson, the victim in a drunk driving accident last month, the last 19 days have been pure hell. At 50,000 dollars a day in intensive care for 19 days so far, they're starting to run out of resources.
Eric's girlfriend, Baylee King, has been at the Intermounatin Medical Center with him and his parents every day since the accident, watching over him.
Peterson, 22, and King were leaving a friend's house early Sunday morning when they were hit by a drunk driver who had stolen a South Salt Lake City police cruiser.
King said, "it's unreal, I fell asleep in the accident and I feel as though I'm still asleep, I'm still living a nightmare and I just don't know when it's going to end,"
She suffered a concussion and a sprained wrist, but she says that pain is nothing compared to how she feels seeing the love of her life helpless.
"I didn't even remember that Eric was in the car with me that night and I remember picking up my phone and trying to call him like where are you, I was in an accident and then a few hours later I was told that he was in a coma"
Today, Eric is still in that coma.
His mom, Tina Naujokaitis, says every day is a waiting game. She said, "we just hope he comes out of this coma so that there is something more for Eric,"
But doctors say Eric's future is uncertain.
It's been heartbreaking for his 18 year old girlfriend. She said, "some days will be better than others and some days I will just cry all night long. I mean the past couple of days I haven't even been able to cry, my emotions are just... stuck."
Eric's family has not left his side, and they say 19 days of intensive care has become a heavy financial burden. Michael Peterson, Eric's father said, "It's been hard, it's been real hard and we're starting to run out of resources,"
Keeping Eric alive is costing about 50,000 dollars a day, but this group is trying to stay positive. But they say this should have never happened.
Eric's girlfriend said, "Anyone who is ignorant enough to get behind the wheel drunk, it just, it's hard not to be angry I just hope people will think more about it"
Eric's dad says he hopes police will think about their protocol as well. He said, "it was wrong and things need to change,"
If you'd like to help Eric's family and girlfriend, please donate to: Eric Peterson Memorial- Oak Valley Bank, Oakdale California, or visit
http://www.gofundme.com/helpthekings
