Dallas Child Who Lost Leg in New Year's Crash Returns Home

8-year-old begins rehabilitation after losing leg in suspected drunk driving incident

Feb. 8, 2026 at 5:47pm

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An 8-year-old Dallas boy who lost his leg in a New Year's Day crash caused by a suspected drunk driver has returned home to begin rehabilitation. The community has raised over $114,000 to help the family cover medical costs, a prosthetic leg, and a move to a one-story home to accommodate the child's mobility needs. The suspect, 23-year-old Michael Lavarius McRae, is currently out on bond and faces multiple charges, including intoxication assault causing serious bodily injury.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of drunk driving and the long road to recovery for victims, especially children. The community's outpouring of support for the family underscores the importance of public safety and the need for stronger measures to prevent such senseless acts.

The details

Said Abbaszade was traveling with his parents and sister shortly after 1 a.m. on Jan. 1 when their car was T-boned while heading north on Central Expressway. The impact caused the vehicle to flip, ejecting the boy onto the roadway. While doctors were able to save the child's life, the severity of his injuries required an amputation. After spending more than a month in the hospital, Said is now focused on rehabilitation and the eventual fitting of a prosthetic leg.

  • On New Year's Day 2026, the crash occurred shortly after 1 a.m.
  • Said Abbaszade spent more than a month in the hospital following the crash.
  • Said returned home on Friday, February 7, 2026 to begin rehabilitation.

The players

Said Abbaszade

An 8-year-old Dallas boy who lost his leg in a New Year's Day crash caused by a suspected drunk driver.

Rukhsara Abbasova

Said's mother, who is focused on helping her son recover and return to his previous active lifestyle.

Michael Lavarius McRae

The 23-year-old suspected drunk driver who caused the crash that resulted in Said losing his leg. McRae is currently out on bond and faces multiple charges.

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What they’re saying

“I would like to see my son how he lived his previous life. He's jumping, running, playing with other kids, and I will try to do everything I can for him.”

— Rukhsara Abbasova, Said's mother (FOX 4 News)

What’s next

The family is currently searching for a one-story house to accommodate Said's mobility needs and is looking into getting him a therapy dog to help with the emotional trauma of the crash. The suspect, Michael Lavarius McRae, remains out on bond and is facing multiple charges related to the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving, especially when innocent children are involved. The community's outpouring of support for the Abbaszade family underscores the importance of public safety and the need for stronger measures to prevent such senseless acts from occurring in the future.