Bellator vet still in serious condition after being struck by car

Carmella James is fighting for her life after being hit by a car in Wichita, KS.

Carmella James, 24, who once competed in Bellator, was struck by a vehicle earlier this month while she was riding her bicycle to work in Wichita, KS. She was critically injured in the collision and remains in serious condition.

The vehicle that struck James was allegedly driven by Larry Gaines, 34, who yesterday was charged with aggravated battery while driving under the influence after a toxicology report indicated he was drunk at the time of the incident.

KSNW reports that Gaines was convicted of DUI offenses in 2001, 2005, and 2013. Gaines is also involved in a separate and pending DUI case from May 13, when he was charged with DUI, transporting an open container and possession of paraphernalia. Gaines is being held on a $100,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 28th.

James, who is currently in a coma, competed at both strawweight and flyweight. Her amateur MMA career began in 2016. She turned pro in 2017 and, along with Bellator, has competed for LFA, C3 Fights, and XKO.

James’ family spoke to media in Kansas expressing that they forgive Gaines for his suspected actions (per KSN).

LaRene James, Carmella’s grandmother, was asked her feelings regarding Gaines. She responded, “We love you, with the love of God, because the Word says we have to love. And we forgive you. But we won’t forget.”

“It hurts to even think that he will get the opportunity, that he may get the opportunity to get to do this to someone else’s child,” added James. “If you have to take a person’s keys, take their keys because it’s worth it. It’s worth it not only for someone else’s life, but for their own.”

James’ grandmother also said that she has been speaking to her granddaughter, whom she raised, at her hospital bed every day and night since the incident. LaRene James said that, even though her granddaughter is unresponsive, she has faith that she can hear her.

Carmella James is a member of Laselva MMA & Fitness. In a Facebook post the gym revealed that James is alive despite suffering a level of brain injury that usually causes death within 24-hours. “Carmella has been fighting,” said the gym. “[And] is breathing on her own, blow by blow.”

Laselva MMA & Fitness has created a gofundme page for James, on the behalf of her grandmother. At this time of writing the campaign has raised $3,780 towards its goal of $20,000.

Thank you Lucas Bishop for creating this page. Please consider giving to this family. The need is great in so many ways….

Posted by Laselva MMA & Fitness on Wednesday, May 23, 2018

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 29 people in the United States die everyday in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This equates to one death every 50 minutes.

If you or someone you know has a problem with drinking support can be found from the following services.

US – The Recovery Village’s Addiction and Alcohol Hotline – 844 244 3171

Canada – Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

UK – DrinkAware.co.uk’s Drinkline – 0300 123 1110

Carmella James is fighting for her life after being hit by a car in Wichita, KS.

Carmella James, 24, who once competed in Bellator, was struck by a vehicle earlier this month while she was riding her bicycle to work in Wichita, KS. She was critically injured in the collision and remains in serious condition.

The vehicle that struck James was allegedly driven by Larry Gaines, 34, who yesterday was charged with aggravated battery while driving under the influence after a toxicology report indicated he was drunk at the time of the incident.

KSNW reports that Gaines was convicted of DUI offenses in 2001, 2005, and 2013. Gaines is also involved in a separate and pending DUI case from May 13, when he was charged with DUI, transporting an open container and possession of paraphernalia. Gaines is being held on a $100,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 28th.

James, who is currently in a coma, competed at both strawweight and flyweight. Her amateur MMA career began in 2016. She turned pro in 2017 and, along with Bellator, has competed for LFA, C3 Fights, and XKO.

James’ family spoke to media in Kansas expressing that they forgive Gaines for his suspected actions (per KSN).

LaRene James, Carmella’s grandmother, was asked her feelings regarding Gaines. She responded, “We love you, with the love of God, because the Word says we have to love. And we forgive you. But we won’t forget.”

“It hurts to even think that he will get the opportunity, that he may get the opportunity to get to do this to someone else’s child,” added James. “If you have to take a person’s keys, take their keys because it’s worth it. It’s worth it not only for someone else’s life, but for their own.”

James’ grandmother also said that she has been speaking to her granddaughter, whom she raised, at her hospital bed every day and night since the incident. LaRene James said that, even though her granddaughter is unresponsive, she has faith that she can hear her.

Carmella James is a member of Laselva MMA & Fitness. In a Facebook post the gym revealed that James is alive despite suffering a level of brain injury that usually causes death within 24-hours. “Carmella has been fighting,” said the gym. “[And] is breathing on her own, blow by blow.”

Laselva MMA & Fitness has created a gofundme page for James, on the behalf of her grandmother. At this time of writing the campaign has raised $3,780 towards its goal of $20,000.

Thank you Lucas Bishop for creating this page. Please consider giving to this family. The need is great in so many ways….

Posted by Laselva MMA & Fitness on Wednesday, May 23, 2018

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 29 people in the United States die everyday in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This equates to one death every 50 minutes.

If you or someone you know has a problem with drinking support can be found from the following services.

US – The Recovery Village’s Addiction and Alcohol Hotline – 844 244 3171

Canada – Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

UK – DrinkAware.co.uk’s Drinkline – 0300 123 1110