Laurel residents gathered on Saturday to celebrate the homecoming of 18‑year‑old Rosalina Raye Anderson, who spent two months and two weeks in the hospital after being struck by a truck on her way to school. The surprise welcome featured a procession of police cars, ambulances and fire trucks that rolled through town, honking their sirens in a joyous salute.

Family and friends share relief

“I’m speechless, honestly,” Anderson said, visibly moved by the outpouring of love. She added that she had been looking forward to being back with friends and family, and the unexpected parade exceeded her expectations.

Her father, Torrey Anderson, described the ordeal as a series of “ups and downs, near tragedies, and struggles,” noting that his daughter’s spirit never faltered. “She’s incredibly strong,” he said, recalling the moment he arrived at the crash scene and saw a police officer performing CPR on the street – “the scariest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Accident and recovery

On September 3, Raye was riding her scooter to Laurel High School for the second day of her senior year when a truck hit her. Emergency responders rushed her to a Seattle hospital for specialized care. Over the next several weeks, she underwent surgery and spent time in intensive care, a recovery period her father called “nothing short of a miracle.”

“The surgery unit, the recovery unit, all of the units… for like two and a half months,” Raye recounted, emphasizing how grateful she is for the medical teams that helped her heal.

Classmates react

Classmate Jaya Kaufman, who witnessed the accident, said she was “hyperventilating” at the sight of Raye on the ground. Today, Kaufman expressed relief and happiness to see her friend walking again: “Nice to have her back in Laurel.”

Raye herself reflected on the experience, noting that moments like these remind survivors of their own resilience. “Just having an amazing day,” she said, smiling as she embraced friends she had missed.

Community support continues

The parade underscores Laurel’s close‑knit community spirit, where neighbors rally around those in need. Local businesses and volunteers helped coordinate the procession, ensuring that every emergency vehicle could participate safely.

Mayor John Miller praised the collective effort, stating, “Our town’s strength lies in how we care for one another. Raye’s recovery is a testament to the love and support that defines Laurel.”

As Raye continues her rehabilitation, her family remains hopeful for a full return to school and normal teenage life. The Anderson family thanked the medical staff, first responders and the entire Laurel community for their unwavering encouragement.

Looking ahead

Raye plans to resume her senior year classes later this month, with teachers and counselors already preparing accommodations to ease her transition back to the classroom. The community’s ongoing prayers and support will accompany her every step of the way.

Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.