Sixteen-year-old Danny Sanchez is fighting for his life after a tragic accident left him in critical condition with severe burns. Now, his family and friends are asking the public for prayers, support—and a helping hand.
Danny had lived in Pahrump for seven years before moving to Las Vegas with his family last year. Though they now reside in Las Vegas, the town still feels like home. His mother, Mariyah Saasta, continues to work in Pahrump, and his younger brother Caleb attends school there. “I still consider us locals,” Mariyah said. “This is where my kids grew up. Danny always talks about wanting to come back and graduate with his friends at Pahrump Valley High School.”
Danny was back in Las Vegas, after visiting longtime friends in Pahrump, when the accident occurred on Monday, July 28. He had recently started working at Discount Tire to save money to fix up a car his mom had bought him—a dream project he had been looking forward to for months.
“He always wanted a car he could fix up,” said Mariyah. “We bought one that needed work, and it just sat in the driveway for eight months while he saved up. That day, I asked him if he wanted to get a car battery to finally start fixing it up. He was so excited.”
After trying a new battery and then purchasing a fuel pump, Danny was working near the gas tank when the car unexpectedly exploded. His stepfather quickly tried to put out the flames with his shirt, but Danny had already suffered devastating burns. He was rushed to the hospital and placed in a medically induced coma. He is expected to remain in the coma for at least a month, with two to three surgeries a week to follow, and a long recovery ahead.
Danny is currently being treated in the trauma unit at University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas. Due to the severity of his injuries and the high risk of infection, visitors (aside from family) are not allowed for the first three to four weeks of his hospitalization.
Mariyah says the accident has turned their lives upside down. “This has been one of the worst things a parent can go through,” she shared. “Danny is in critical condition. We’re just praying he pulls through.”
To support the family during this challenging time, a group of friends and community members are organizing a fundraiser on August 16, with all proceeds going directly to Danny’s family. The time and location are still being finalized, but those interested in helping or participating can reach out to Kim Taylor at 775-253-1478 or Alicia Lewis at 702-428-7526.
Donations are also being accepted through their official donation page at www.givesendgo.com/prayersfordanny. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated and will go directly toward Danny’s medical expenses and the family’s ongoing needs during his recovery.
Danny’s recovery journey will be long and difficult, both emotionally and financially. The outpouring of love and concern from the community has meant the world to his family. “It is so wonderful to see how many people love and care for my son,” Mariyah said. “Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.”
Every donation, every prayer, and every act of kindness helps as Danny fights to recover.
