Figure Skater & Single Mom Injured in Crash

My name is Tara Smith and Maria de Lourdes Solorio Gumersell has been my daughter's figure skating coach for more than 5 years. During this time Maria has become a friend of our family and my goal is to raise funds to help her get back on her feet after such a tragic accident (please read about the accident below). In addition to coaching figure skating for over 25 years, she volunteers of her time each year to coach in Nutcracker on Ice and is a vital part of the figure skating community in the St. Louis area.

On Saturday, December 16, 2023 Maria was in a horrific car accident. A car fleeing the pursuit of police, at a high rate of speed in the city of St. Louis, ran a red light, and t-boned Maria's vehicle on the driver side. Her car flipped over and she suffered multiple fractures, mostly in her pelvis.

On Monday, December 18th she had surgery with screws placed to repair her pelvis. Surgery went well, but currently her blood pressure has been dropping extremely low. Once that is stabilized, she will then be able to be transferred from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility.

In addition to being a professional figure skater, Maria is a single mother of two. At the time of the accident she was traveling to her job at the WIC office in East St. Louis where she works as a nutritional educator for families in need. She's currently studying for a master's degree in applied nutrition and dietetics.

This fundraiser will benefit Maria with her medical bills, helping to replace her totaled vehicle and getting back on her feet after this very unexpected life event. Please consider helping the woman who has given so much of herself to others. All funds raised will be transferred directly to Maria as the beneficiary. She has a long road of recovery ahead of her and is so very deserving of the assistance. I look forward to the day that she returns to the ice and know that the entire figure skating community is cheering her on!