It was 2 months ago today.

18-year-old Cleighton Strickland’s life changed.

The 2025 graduate of Daphne (AL) High School was involved in a car accident in Auburn on November 5th, 2025.

Cleighton suffered a traumatic brain injury- he remains at Shepherd Center in Atlanta.

Cleighton’s mom Amy sent me an update this morning as her son remains in a semi-conscious state.

Amy is asking for prayers as she sent along the following:

“We are weary, and sending you updates and knowing people will pray helps us.

“They are going to do some procedures to try to loosen Cleighton’s hands and arms so they can straighten them. An ENT is going to check his trach area and if they can, they will cap it and remove it in a week.

“Cleighton weighs 112 lbs and is weak. We still need him to fully wake and make purposeful movements. The Shepherd Center is wonderful and the people here have plans. We just need prayers, especially for Mary Claire (girlfriend) and Gregory (brother).

“Gregory is taking the semester off from Auburn to help. It’s hard to see your brother and best friend in this condition, but Gregory just keeps pushing him and helping him.

“Mary Claire talks to him and I know it’s so hard because he can’t talk back. She and her family come every weekend they can, including the grandmother. This boy is loved.”

Thanks to Amy for the update- no doubt this is a very difficult time for all involved.

While the family and Cleighton’s support system remain hopeful, they also know it’s going be a long road ahead.

Mom Amy thanks you for your prayers and is staying as positive as she can.

“Cleighton has moments, but it’s like a rollercoaster,” Amy said.

“It’s so hard, but we are grateful he is still with us, and we have faith and hope.”

*Pray for Cleighton, his parents Scott and Amy, his brother Gregory, his girlfriend Mary Claire and all the dedicated folks at Shepherd Center.

Stand with Cleighton: A Miracle Is Needed

marlo Blankenship for Amy Strickland

Our beloved Cleighton Strickland was involved in a horrific car accident that has left him in a critical, life-threatening condition. In a single moment, Cleighton went from living his best life as a college freshman in Auburn to fighting for survival.

Right now, he is in Neuro ICU @ UAB Hospital surrounded by machines, doctors, worried family, and friends who refuse to leave his side.

Cleighton has suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, and every minute is a battle. We are holding on to faith in God, hope, and the strength of his beautiful fighting spirit.

No family is ever prepared for a tragedy like this. While his family is pouring every ounce of strength into being there for him, they are also facing the financial pressures that come with the inability to work, including hotel costs, meals, daily expenses, and medical bills, all while staying right by his side.

Please consider helping this family. No amount is too small.

Thank you for loving Cleighton, supporting him, and standing with this family during the hardest moment of their lives.