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St. Francis athlete in coma after car crash

by Nick Veronin and James Tensuan

A star water polo player from St. Francis High school was involved in five-car pileup on Highway 280 Saturday, according to a California Highway Patrol official. At press time, she remained in a coma at a local hospital.

Caroline Hansen, a senior at St. Francis, was driving a Mini Cooper on the southbound side of 280 at about 6:35 p.m. on Nov. 27 when her vehicle was struck twice, Art Montiel, a CHP public information officer said. The first impact apparently turned her car sideways; she was then broadsided by another car.

Montiel said the accident is still under investigation and that officers won't have a clear picture of what happened until all witnesses and victims are interviewed.

Meanwhile, friends and fellow students at St. Francis have held prayer services for Hansen and are remaining optimistic.

"There is hope," said senior Allison Foraker, a friend of Hansen's.

Hansen's Facebook page is filled with messages of love and well wishes from family and friends.

The 17-year-old varsity water polo player has been offered scholarships to both University of California at Santa Barbara and the University of Michigan.