Former Lisbon Track Star Addy Happel Fights for Recovery After Rollover Crash Ejects Her from Vehicle with Multiple Broken Bones and Brain Hemorrhage

Stay strong, Addy, you've got an army behind you

January 14, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 13, 2026

The community of Lisbon, Iowa, and beyond was shaken by news of a devastating rollover car accident involving former Lisbon Community Schools standout athlete Addy Happel on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Addy, known for her competitive spirit on the track and field, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash, sustaining life-threatening injuries that have left her fighting for recovery in Iowa City.

Addy comes from a large, tight-knit family of 11 children born to Dawn and Dean Happel. She was raised alongside her siblings: Mackenzie, Carter, Reegan, Cael, Quincy, Cad (likely Cade), Kyler, and Jaycie.

The Happel family is deeply rooted in wrestling tradition.

Her father, Dean Happel, is a legendary figure in Iowa wrestling, having been a three-time state champion at Lisbon High School before competing for the iconic Dan Gable at the University of Iowa.

That same grit and resilience run through the entire family, and it’s on full display as Addy battles through this ordeal.

A former Lisbon Girls Track and Field athlete, Addy contributed to several successful relay teams and events during her time with the Lions.

She later attended , continuing her education after her years in the Lisbon school system, which included a period of homeschooling alongside her siblings.

Learn More-:

The accident has brought strong support from friends, family, and the wrestling community

LuftTuff Wrestling shared a heartfelt post about the incident:

Leslie Welton Berger shared a heartfelt update, calling it “a parent’s worst nightmare” to get that early-morning phone call no family ever wants to receive.

She highlighted the deep connections the Happels have in the community, noting that Addy is the little sister of Dylan Decklever’s girlfriend, Reegan Happel.

Berger wrote:

She spoke about how uncertain emergency recovery can be and how important it is to ease the family’s burden during this time.

A GoFundMe campaign has been organized to help cover mounting medical expenses, with an

The page details the severity of the crash: Addy suffered multiple broken bones and bleeding on the outside of her brain, which required emergency surgery.

An update from January 12 brought a glimmer of hope. Addy has begun waking up, following simple commands, and even nodding to nurses to indicate she was in pain.

Medical teams have started providing her with blood transfusions and nutrition as she begins the long road to recovery.

The organizers stress that while progress is encouraging, Addy faces an extended and challenging journey ahead.

The Happel family’s strength is legendary in Iowa wrestling circles, and now that same fighting spirit is carrying Addy through one of the toughest challenges of her life.

The community continues to rally around her, offering prayers, messages of encouragement, and donations to ensure that medical costs don’t add to the family’s worries.

As updates come in from Iowa City, friends and supporters are urged to keep Addy and the entire Happel family in their thoughts.

Their strength has carried them through many victories on the mat and the track, now it’s powering them through this difficult chapter.

If you’d like to contribute or follow the progress, the GoFundMe remains active to support Addy’s full recovery.

Stay strong, Addy, you’ve got an army behind you.

Read More-:

• Check other Articles on

Reshma is a content editor recognized for her ability to create engaging digital content, ensure quality, and deliver stories that connect with audiences.

Related articles

May 13, 2026

May 12, 2026

May 12, 2026

May 8, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

- May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...

- May 13, 2026 Andrew O' Donnell of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away at the age of 39. He was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, and later moved to Ancramdale, New...

- May 12, 2026 Judy (Evans) Milby of Rockwall, Texas, passed away on Saturday at the age of 80. Milby was born on July 25, 1945, to her father,...

- May 12, 2026 Residents of Dromore, Co. Down, are calling for action after a deeply concerning incident at the local play park, where older children were reported...

- May 11, 2026 A video circulating on Facebook has sparked a heated debate among Bell Gardens residents after police were called on a group of kids riding...