UPDATE: Father reports Fallbrook High senior softball player injured in car crash doing well; expected to make full recovery

Based on an early morning interview today (Friday, April 19) with 18-year-old April Mattson's father, Paul Mattson, the Fallbrook High School varsity softball player is now stable, alert, and talking following a car crash on April 16 that she sustained major injuries in.

"She is even cracking jokes," said Mattson, "her friends know if she is cracking jokes, she is going to be okay."

Mattson said April's doctors have said although her injuries were severe, she will be able to return to playing softball after her recovery. April has received several scholarship offers from colleges regarding softball opportunities.

"Her spirits are high," said Mattson, who added he is grateful for the support his family has been shown after the accident.

"I want to thank the community for their support of our family and thank the school for interacting with her softball team and allowing them to come see her in the hospital," he said. "Also, her team is planning fundraising opportunities and some opportunities will also be available at the Avocado Festival."

(previous story)

Fallbrook High student found injured as a result of car crash after being reported missing

Debbie Ramsey

Managing Editor

An 18-year-old Fallbrook High School senior was found injured as a result of a single vehicle car crash Wednesday morning, April 17, after having been reported missing 12 hours earlier.

April Mattson, who celebrated her 18th birthday on April 16, had reportedly played in a girl's softball game that ended at about 5 p.m. at Fallbrook High School. When she didn't return home that evening, her father, Paul Mattson, filed a missing persons report with the Fallbrook Sheriff's substation.

"We took the missing persons report at about 10 p.m. on April 16," said Sheriff's Lt. Todd Richardson. "She was last seen when a softball game ended at the high school."

Jim Bettencourt, public information officer for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said his officers were called to the site of the crash about 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday morning after a 911 call was placed by a man walking along Heller's Bend.

"When our officer arrived at the scene, he saw [firefighters/paramedics) with rappelling gear going down an embankment alongside the roadway," said Bettencourt. "It turns out a girl was found and she was conscious; she had been out there all night. She was about 110 feet off the road."

Mattson sustained major injuries in the crash and was taken by medical helicopter to a local trauma center.

Bettencourt said officers quickly learned a missing persons report had been filed regarding Mattson.

"We did not receive any calls about a collision in that area the night before; the only way she was discovered was because a gentleman was walking down the road and saw the vehicle down there," he said. "The man flagged someone down who then called 911."

Bettencourt said Mattson told officers she didn't remember anything after the softball game.