A 40-year-old Springfield father is fighting for his life in a coma after a devastating e-scooter crash in his local neighbourhood, prompting an outpouring of support from the community.
Father Of Five Faces Uncertain Recovery
The crash occurred on Sunday, 28 April, on Springfield Parkway in Brisbane’s south-west. Mikey Valdivia suffered a severe brain injury and remains in a coma at Princess Alexandra Hospital with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3.
Mikey Valdivia, a well-known Springfield local, is a devoted partner and father of five. He was the family’s sole provider and had been planning a Bali wedding with his fiancée Sophie-Leigh Barker-McMurray.
Since the crash, Mikey’s condition hasn’t improved. His fiancée Sophie has remained by his side in hospital, unable to work, leaving the family under heavy emotional and financial strain.
Community Rallies Around The Valdivias
The Springfield community has responded with generosity, launching a GoFundMe campaign to support the family with everyday expenses such as rent, food, and care for the kids. As of mid-May, the campaign has raised over $7,000, with nearly 90 donors contributing.
Organiser Emily Potter, speaking on behalf of Springfield E-scooter Crash Leaves Father Of Five In Comaphie, shared that any donation would ease the pressure on the family as they face an uncertain future. The family says they are overwhelmed by the kindness from friends, neighbours and even strangers who have reached out.
Police Seek Witnesses As Scooter Safety Debate Grows
Queensland Police are still investigating the crash and have called for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area around Springfield Parkway on the day of the incident to come forward.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to the safety of electric scooters in Brisbane. National conversations are underway, including a parliamentary inquiry into personal mobility devices, sparked by rising accidents and fatalities involving e-scooters. While these discussions continue, authorities have stressed the importance of safe riding practices, including helmet use and staying alert in traffic.
Life Changed In A Moment
For the Valdivia family, life has been upended in a matter of seconds. What was meant to be a joyful year, with a wedding on the horizon, has turned into a fight for survival. Sophie and her children now face long days at the hospital, not knowing what comes next.
The family’s message is clear: they’re grateful for every show of support, whether it’s financial, emotional or simply sharing Mikey’s story.
Published 20-May-2025
