Dirt Bike Accident Near Apple Valley Left Teen Fighting for Life, Family Raises Funds and Awareness

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com)  – On February 2, 2025, 16-year-old Ryan was out riding his dirt bike with his dad and brother near the Apple Valley Mariana Ranchos area, heading toward Horse Springs on the single tracks, when a serious accident nearly claimed his life.

This account of Ryan’s injury and ongoing recovery is provided by his mother, Heather Doss, who is sharing their story to raise awareness and encourage other families to act quickly in the event of similar injuries.

What initially seemed like a simple dislocated knee turned into a life-threatening situation. Ryan suffered severe damage to the arteries behind his knee, putting him at risk of bleeding out.

Swelling from the injury cut off circulation, ultimately saving his life by slowing the blood loss. However, the lack of blood flow caused significant muscle damage, and Ryan lost part of his calf muscle.

Since the accident, Ryan has undergone 11 blood transfusions, battled a blood clot, and spent five days in the pediatric ICU.

Doctors performed a fasciotomy to release the trapped blood, and an external fixator was placed on his leg to support the artery bypass.

Less than three weeks after the accident, Ryan has already undergone seven surgeries and is continuing his recovery.

Currently still admitted at Loma Linda Medical Center, Ryan has begun physical therapy and will need to relearn how to walk.

His family remains hopeful, but they know the road to recovery will be long.

Heather Doss is sharing this story in the hopes of raising awareness about the severity of injuries that may seem minor at first. “You never know how serious an injury could be,” she said. “What we thought was just a dislocated knee turned into a nightmare. We could have lost our son, and that’s something we’ll never forget.”

The Doss family is also asking for donations to help cover the mounting medical bills and long-term rehabilitation costs.

“We haven’t left his side and don’t plan on doing so. We got lucky and are staying at the Ronald McDonald House right here by the hospital,” Doss stated. “But staying down here has its extra expenses on top of having to be off work and find childcare for younger siblings. Anything and everything will help and will go to our continued stay down here and any extra supplies that will need to be purchased for Ryan’s return home.”

To help support Ryan’s recovery, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/kbw258-support-ryans-long-road-to-recovery