Community Prays for Auburn’s Collin Long After Traumatic Brain Injury in Golf Cart Accident; Family Seeks Support During Critical Recovery
Late into the night, just shy of 11 pm Central Time, a quiet yet urgent voice emerged from UAB Hospital in Birmingham, carrying with it a mixture of fatigue, worry, and hope. Amy Long, principal of South Smith’s Station Elementary School and mother to a beloved young man, reached out to share difficult news that has since rippled throughout the Auburn community and beyond. Her son, Collin Long, a 20-year-old former Auburn High School football player and current student at Southern Union State Community College, is fighting for his life after a devastating accident that occurred during what was supposed to be a routine summer day. The community is now coming together, offering prayers and support as Collin faces a critical and uncertain road to recovery.
Collin’s story is one of resilience, kindness, and a commitment to making the most of every opportunity, even at a young age. Known for his gracious spirit and gentle demeanor, Collin has long been admired by those around him. His interests span beyond athletics—he is passionate about music, often found strumming his guitar, and enjoys the calm focus that golf brings, which also ties into his summer job at the Auburn University Golf Club. That summer day, however, turned tragic in an instant, and the Long family’s life was forever altered.
The accident occurred when Collin was a passenger in a golf cart, an everyday part of his job at the golf club. According to Amy, who was quietly sharing the details over the phone from her son’s hospital room, the cart lost control, slipping off the path and ultimately overturning. The exact circumstances that led to the mishap were still being reviewed, but what was clear was the severity of the injuries sustained. Collin’s head struck the cement cart path with such force that he suffered a traumatic brain injury, one of the most serious types of injuries to afflict a young and otherwise healthy individual.
The gravity of the situation prompted an immediate response. Collin was airlifted from the scene to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, a trauma center equipped to handle the most complex cases. The driver of the golf cart was also injured, though details on their condition remained uncertain at the time. Family, friends, and the Auburn community waited anxiously as medical professionals sprang into action, performing surgery on Collin in an attempt to alleviate the swelling in his brain. Amy shared that doctors had to remove a portion of Collin’s skull, a procedure known as a decompressive craniectomy, to allow the swollen brain room to expand without causing further damage.
Despite the severity of the injury, there were faint glimmers of hope. Amy spoke of signs that Collin was responding to stimuli, a small but critical indicator of brain activity and function. However, the family was also faced with the harsh reality that parts of Collin’s skull had likely caused damage to his brain tissue during the accident. The path ahead was uncertain and fraught with challenges, requiring patience and prayers as they awaited further updates.
Throughout this harrowing time, the Long family has drawn strength from each other and from the outpouring of support from the community. Amy, her husband Anthony, and their other son Evan have united in prayer and hope, standing steadfast at Collin’s bedside. Their faith and love have been a beacon during this dark period, as they navigate the complexities of medical decisions, recovery expectations, and the emotional toll such an injury can take on a family.
Those who know Collin speak of him as a remarkable young man who embodies courage and compassion. Amy recounted a poignant story from three years prior, when Collin heroically saved a man who had fallen into a lake in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This act of bravery and kindness speaks volumes about the character of the young man now fighting for his life. It’s a reminder that Collin’s strength and spirit are not new but rather deeply rooted in the person he has always been.
The impact of this incident has resonated far beyond the hospital walls. Auburn High School, where Collin once proudly wore the football uniform, has rallied around the family, organizing prayer vigils and sending messages of support. Fellow students, teachers, and coaches have shared their heartfelt wishes for Collin’s recovery. Southern Union State Community College has also expressed solidarity, highlighting Collin’s contributions as both a student and an athlete. The Auburn University Golf Club, where Collin worked and formed bonds with colleagues and patrons, has been a source of support and concern as well.
In moments like these, the true strength of a community shines through. The tragedy has united neighbors, friends, and strangers alike in a collective effort to lift Collin and his family up through prayer, positive thoughts, and any assistance they can offer. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of hope, encouragement, and calls for continued prayers for Collin’s healing. The power of communal care has been palpable, demonstrating the deep connections forged within the Auburn area and the larger Alabama community.
Medical experts remain cautiously optimistic but emphasize the critical nature of Collin’s injury. Traumatic brain injuries vary widely in outcome, depending on numerous factors including the severity of swelling, the extent of brain tissue damage, and the timeliness of medical intervention. The initial surgery to relieve pressure is just the first step in a long and complex recovery process that may involve additional surgeries, rehabilitation therapies, and ongoing monitoring. Families affected by such injuries often describe the journey as one marked by small victories and setbacks, requiring immense patience and resilience.
For the Long family, this journey is particularly challenging given their close-knit nature and deep ties to Auburn. Amy Long’s role as principal of South Smith’s Station Elementary School underscores her commitment to education and community service—values she has undoubtedly instilled in her children. The family’s roots run deep, and their story has become a rallying point for those who know them and those who admire their strength from afar.
As Collin rests in the intensive care unit at UAB Hospital, medical staff continue to monitor his condition around the clock. The surgery to remove part of his skull, while lifesaving, leaves him vulnerable, necessitating careful management of swelling and infection risk. Amy’s updates have been measured but hopeful, reflecting a realistic yet hopeful outlook. The presence of brain activity and response to stimuli provides a glimmer of optimism that fuels the prayers and hopes of all who care for Collin.
In times of crisis, the power of prayer and community support cannot be overstated. For Collin, whose life was suddenly altered by a tragic accident, the embrace of those who love him is a vital source of strength. The Long family has requested that those who are able, join them in prayer—not only for Collin’s recovery but also for the driver of the golf cart who was injured in the accident. The request is heartfelt and humble, a reminder that healing and hope are shared endeavors that transcend individual circumstances.
While the full extent of Collin’s recovery remains unknown, the story of his life—marked by kindness, courage, and community—serves as a foundation for the battle ahead. His youthful spirit, coupled with the love and support surrounding him, creates a powerful force that many believe will guide him through the darkest moments. The community’s response, from prayer vigils to heartfelt messages, reflects a collective belief in the power of hope and the human spirit.
As the days unfold, medical updates will be closely watched by family, friends, and well-wishers alike. Each moment of progress, no matter how small, will be celebrated. Each challenge will be met with determination and faith. Collin’s story is far from over, and the Auburn community stands ready to walk alongside him and his family every step of the way.
In sharing this story, Amy Long has not only provided an update but also issued a call to action—a plea for prayers and positive energy during an unimaginably difficult time. Her quiet strength and unwavering love for her son shine through every word, reminding us all of the fragility and preciousness of life. The hope now is that, with expert medical care, the power of prayer, and the support of a community united in compassion, Collin will overcome this devastating injury and continue to grow, thrive, and inspire as he has always done.
As we hold Collin and his family in our thoughts, it is clear that the road ahead will require courage, patience, and unwavering faith. The Long family’s story is a testament to the power of community, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring strength of love. In these difficult hours, they remind us all of the importance of coming together in support, lifting one another up, and never underestimating the power of hope.
