KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs and the family of Ariel Young, the 5-year-old girl seriously hurt in a car crash involving former assistant coach Britt Reid, have reached a deal for a comprehensive care plan.
According to Young’s attorney Tom Porto, both parties have finalized a plan that will provide Young with “world-class medical care and long-term financial stability.”
“Ariel’s recovery is a long road, but she has made great strides and continues to improve every day. Earlier this fall, she attended her first day of school,” Porto said in a statement.
Britt Reid, the son of Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, was charged with DWI — serious physical injury. A trial date is set for April 18, 2022.
In February, Reid crashed into two vehicles stopped on the shoulder of the highway near Arrowhead Stadium.
Court documents said, Reid’s blood alcohol content was .113 after the crash. He told police he had two or three drinks that night and had an Adderall prescription.
Police say, Reid was driving 82 mph in a 65 mph zone before crashing into the vehicles. One of the vehicles was assisting the other after running out of fuel.
Young suffered traumatic brain injuries and was in the hospital until April. A GoFundMe page for her medical bills raised nearly $600,000.
Attorney James Stigall with Stigall Whitworth LLC, who is not involved in Britt Reid’s case or this settlement, said both sides likely want to keep this out of courtrooms.
“You have a young girl, 5 years old with serious injuries, a traumatic brain injury. You’re going to get a very strong emotional response from a jury,” he said. “The result of that is the defendant had to be concerned about a very large verdict being returned by a jury.”
Additionally, Stigall said agreeing out of court in this manner allows the Chiefs to keep terms of the agreement private.
“The defendant has the ability to put a confidentiality clause on that settlement. With that confidentiality clause, they’re able to control the narrative, or more importantly, the lack thereof,” Stigall said.