Four months after a crash in East Oakland killed three people and injured several others, survivor Durran Riley is still facing a difficult recovery and months of rehabilitation.
Riley, 53, was among the pedestrians struck shortly before 11:15 p.m. on May 16 near International Boulevard and 85th Avenue. Police said a 17-year-old driver was traveling at more than 50 mph before losing control, striking vehicles and then hitting people on the sidewalk.
Three people died in the crash. They were later identified as Robert Joe Dixon, 64, Charles Blackmon, 65, and Miguel Sanchez Ramirez, 44.
Riley survived but suffered multiple leg injuries and head trauma. His recovery has included intensive rehabilitation, and he has continued to deal with pain and the emotional effects of the crash.
“Sometimes I’d be having nightmares,” Riley said in June. “It’s been a constant struggle. Living in pain… it hurts.”
Riley has also spoken about the memories of the moment he was hit and the loss of people he knew personally. Dixon and Blackmon were among his close friends.
Before the crash, Riley worked for a local nonprofit that helped people experiencing homelessness find housing. He has said he hopes to eventually return to work, but his injuries have left him unable to do so for now.
His recovery is expected to take months. Riley has been using a wheelchair and faces continued physical therapy as he works toward walking again without assistance.
The financial impact has added another challenge. Riley and his partner have started an online fundraiser to help with medical and living expenses while he remains unable to work.
The crash has also left Riley seeking accountability from the driver.
The 17-year-old was arrested after the collision and later charged in juvenile court. Prosecutors said the charges, including vehicular manslaughter, do not qualify under California law for the case to be transferred to adult court.
Riley has publicly said he would prefer the teenager to face adult charges because of the severity of the crash.
The case remains in the juvenile justice system, while the crash continues to affect the families of those killed and the people who survived.
Police said the teenager allegedly tried to leave the scene after the crash but was stopped by people nearby until officers arrived. Investigators also said the vehicle had been traveling at a high rate of speed before it struck parked cars and pedestrians.
The three people who died were remembered by friends, relatives and other members of the East Oakland community. A memorial was placed near the crash site, where people gathered to mourn the victims.
For Riley, however, the aftermath is still very personal.
He is working through physical injuries, emotional trauma and the loss of friends while looking ahead to a life that will likely be different from the one he had before May 16.
Despite the setbacks, Riley has said he wants to use his experience to help others who have gone through trauma.
“I would like to go back to my job,” he said. “I want to find a way to help people who have been through some type of trauma.”
For now, recovery remains his primary focus as he continues rehabilitation and works toward regaining his independence.
