A promising young Indigenous doctor's life has been brutally upended just days after he celebrated one of his proudest achievements, following a horrific crash on a New South Wales highway.
A Dream Derailed in an Instant
David Parsons, a 26-year-old Worimi and Biripi man from Stockton, had just crossed the stage at his University of Newcastle graduation, shaking hands with Chancellor Patricia Forsythe. His decade-long journey to become a doctor was complete, and he was poised to begin his career as a junior doctor at Manning Base Hospital in Taree.
On December 22, 2025, that future was thrown into chaos. While waiting at a T-intersection on his way back to Newcastle from Taree, his car was struck by an out-of-control motorhome. The impact was catastrophic, forcing his vehicle 60 metres down the road and into the median strip.
The collision left David with a shattered hip, broken ribs, a fractured collarbone, and a severe traumatic brain injury that plunged him into a coma. His family faced an agonising wait, unsure if the brilliant young man they knew would ever return.
A Thumbs Up and a Glimmer of Hope
On Monday, January 5, 2026, a critical sign emerged. David opened his eyes and gave his family a thumbs up. "A wave of relief just kind of washed over everyone when we realised he was still there," said his eldest brother, Josh Parsons.
"There was a real fear, at least for me, that we'd lost him," Josh admitted. "Even though his body was there, there was this grief that the poor little bugger wouldn't wake up, or if he did wake up, he wouldn't be mentally there anymore. But he's still got a sense of humour. He's somewhere there. He's there."
The Parsons family now faces the reality of a long and uncertain road to recovery. David is one of seven children and the second in his family to attend university, but the first to earn a master's degree. His achievement was a monumental milestone for his family, who Josh says "grew up really poor."
A Talented Artist and Community Pillar
Beyond his medical aspirations, David is a deeply committed member of his community. Proud of his culture, he is dedicated to learning language and traditional arts, expressing himself through painting. His talent is recognised, with commissioned works displayed in Newcastle and on the Central Coast.
An avid sportsman, he has played AFL and volleyball, participated in athletics, and generously volunteered his time as a sports medic and coach for younger athletes. Described by his brother Casey as someone who "would help anyone or give the shirt off his back," David's "uplifting spirit" has touched many.
Casey, a firefighter accustomed to rescue scenes, found the sight of his brother in hospital devastating. "It's quite scary, especially for my parents, seeing their son that they've raised and brought into the world just lying there. It's hard," he said.
Community Rallies with Overwhelming Support
In the face of this tragedy, the community has responded with an outpouring of support. A GoFundMe campaign established to help with David's long-term rehabilitation, therapy, and care, as well as family travel costs, has raised more than $70,000.
"We're all super proud of him," Casey said, expressing the family's gratitude for the overwhelming support. The family has pledged that any funds not required for David's care will be donated to causes he holds dear, including Aboriginal community organisations, medical student support, and other charities he is passionate about.
While the path ahead is daunting, David's family clings to the hope that his strength and determination, which carried him through years of study, will now guide him through this profound challenge. They dream of the day he can return to the life of service and creativity he had so carefully built.
