Administrators with the Agua Fria Union High School District sent counselors to Verrado High School Thursday after several students were involved in a serious crash Wednesday afternoon.
Maricopa County Sheriff's officials responded to the single-vehicle rollover around 4:40 p.m., on Indian School Road across the street from the Verrado campus.
Deputies found a silver SUV on its side on the shoulder of the road, and the driver and two passengers being treated by Buckeye fire crews.
The driver was rushed to a nearby hospital with possibly life-threatening injuries. The two passengers were treated on scene and allowed to go home with family members.
The driver has since been identified by family as Dylan Miller. On Saturday, Dylan Miller's parents told ABC15 they got encouraging news. Doctors believe their son will survive his injuries; although it remains unclear what challenges he may face in the future.
"It's just a parent's worst nightmare," said Deron Miller, Dylan's father.
Miller says his son remains in a coma, and has survived a difficult three days since his accident.
He said Dylan suffered major head injuries that required surgery, and he even said 'goodbye' to his son in case he didn't survive his surgery.
"I can't explain it, it was the deepest, darkest time of my life," said Miller. "It was terrible."
Dylan's parents say they are thankful to the dozens of people in the community, and Dylan's friends, who have shown support.
They are now hoping their son continues to recover, and that they are able to speak with him again.
"I just want to tell him how much I love him," said Miller. "I miss him. I just want him back."
Dylan's family is also looking for a good samaritan. Witnesses told them a construction worker ran over and pulled Dylan out from underneath the vehicle. They are hoping that person comes forward.
The school district is working with law enforcement to provide any assistance they can.
MCSO says they are investigating what led to the crash.
On Sunday night, more than a week after the crash, friends and classmates gathered in the Verrado High School gym for a fundraiser. Several people wore shirts that read, "Miracle for Miller."
Although Dylan Miller remains in the hospital, his football coach created the "Dylan Miller Scholarship Fund" to raise money for Miller and possibly in future years, other students.
"A college scholarship for him (in) anticipation that he gets well and he can move forward," said Verrado High School Football Coach Tom Ward. "We know he'll never play football again, so we're trying to move forward with his life."
Miller's mother, Natalie, told ABC15 her son is making huge strides, although he has a long road ahead.
"From being told he was going to die, to this, we're super happy," said Miller.
On Sunday, Natalie Miller said her son was able to mouth the words "I love you" in the hospital.
"That was big for us," said Miller, fighting back tears.
She is also grateful for the dozens of people who attended Sunday's fundraiser.
"I'm humbled," she said. "I know that's a common thing to say when people do stuff for you, but I'm completely speechless."
A You Caring website has been set up to go towards the family's expenses during this difficult time.
