Anthony Maravi is a University of Colorado Boulder student who was hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk on campus earlier this month. The driver was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. (Cliff Grassmick – Staff Photographer)
Less than two weeks into their first semester at the University of Colorado Boulder, Jasmine Floyd and Anthony Maravi were severely injured after being hit by a driver who faces drunken driving charges.
Now, they’re trying to find a way to move forward.Maravi said he’s doing better now and has returned to his classes, but Floyd won’t be coming back this semester due to her injuries. Maravi said he struggled with feeling guilty and said it’s been a lot to process.I always like to take care of people around me,” Maravi said. “I kept on thinking (about) the routes we could’ve gone that isn’t Baseline or how I could’ve reacted differently.”
Maravi and Floyd were walking to Williams Village on the sidewalk of the CU Boulder campus a little after midnight Sept. 9, when they were struck by a driver trying to make a U-turn.
Floyd and Maravi met earlier that day through mutual friends. After a night out, Maravi offered to walk Floyd back to her dorm to make sure she got home safely.
As they were walking, Maravi said, he heard a loud sound behind him and saw a car coming straight at them. He said he remembers seeing the car and Floyd, who he said had frozen, and attempted to shield her as best he could.Jordan Hemstreet, 24, of California, was arrested by Boulder police on suspicion of driving under the influence, reckless driving, reckless vehicular assault, driving a vehicle on a suspended license and having no proof of insurance.
Floyd’s father, Chris Floyd, said even though Maravi tried to protect her the best he could, because of her small stature she was thrown 50 feet, smashing her head and body. Maravi hit the windshield of the car.
Maravi said he woke up on the ground shortly after the crash and was unable to breathe, with the wind knocked out of him. The driver of the car was there and asking if he was OK, Maravi said. He was then loaded into an ambulance.
Because Maravi was conscious, paramedics were able to ask him questions to make sure he didn’t have brain damage. Maravi was released from the hospital Sept. 12. He had multiple injuries, including a broken wrist, concussion, lacerated liver, bruises and cuts.