Cambridge Woman Seriously Injured by Stolen Car Crash

Friends launch fundraiser to help cover Olivia Zerwas' extensive medical bills after she was pinned against a building by a stolen vehicle.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Olivia "Liv" Zerwas, a 23-year-old recent college graduate, suffered a traumatic brain injury, broken legs and feet, and severe burns when a stolen car crashed into her as she was walking in Cambridge. The driver, David Powell, has been arrested and charged, but Zerwas now faces a lifetime of care and rehabilitation with no insurance coverage. Her friends have started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for her mounting medical costs.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the devastating impact that crimes involving stolen vehicles can have on innocent bystanders. While the legal system works to hold the perpetrator accountable, Zerwas and her loved ones are left to grapple with the long-term physical, emotional, and financial toll of the attack.

The details

According to police, Zerwas was walking to get coffee earlier this month when a stolen vehicle driven by 57-year-old David Powell jumped a curb and crashed into her, pinning her against a building. Zerwas suffered a traumatic brain injury, broken legs and feet, eight fractured vertebrae, and severe burns. She has already undergone several surgeries and faces a long road to recovery, with more procedures scheduled. Powell has been charged with several felonies, including leaving the scene of a crash causing personal injury and receiving a stolen motor vehicle.

  • The incident occurred earlier this month in Cambridge.
  • Zerwas has already undergone several surgeries, with more scheduled.

The players

Olivia "Liv" Zerwas

A 23-year-old recent graduate of Emmanuel College who was working as an art therapist at a senior living community when she was seriously injured in the crash.

David Powell

The 57-year-old man accused of driving the stolen vehicle that crashed into Zerwas, causing her extensive injuries.

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What they’re saying

“Liv is a sweet soul, funny, and the most beautiful person inside and out. Upon graduating from Emmanuel College with a major in Art Therapy, she began working as an Art Therapist at a senior living community.”

— Lauren Power, Organizer of the GoFundMe campaign

What’s next

Prosecutors hope to secure justice for Zerwas by pursuing the charges against Powell, who is accused of leaving the scene of the crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for greater accountability and support for victims of crimes involving stolen vehicles, as Zerwas and her loved ones face an uncertain future filled with extensive medical costs and a long road to recovery.