The Former Daphne HS Trojan, Cleighton Strickland Shows Signs of Recovery After Traumatic Brain Injury
Every minute is a struggle, and the whole community rallies in support, hoping for the recovery of the injured Trojan.
NewsAshishDecember 24, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 24, 2026
Cleighton Strickland, the 2026 Daphne High School graduate, has been fighting quietly, resting in a semi-conscious state after a severe car accident in Auburn, Alabama.
His life went from living the best life as a college freshman in Auburn to fighting for survival.
Cleighton Strickland, a recent 2026 graduate and beloved baseball player for the Trojans, is in the fight of his life after a horrific car accident in November 2026.
He was a promising young man who left a lasting impression on his team. Sadly, his life is in a critical, life-threatening condition.
After a horrific accident, he was rushed to the Neuro ICU at UAB Hospital. He now battles a severe traumatic brain injury.
His room is filled with the constant hum of medical machines and dedicated doctors, along with the unwavering presence of worried family and friends who refuse to leave his side.
Please keep my friends Amy Johnson Strickland & Scott Strickland in your prayers. Specific prayer that Cleighton will have full recovery and fulfilled livelihood very soon!
April JerniganAlso, see: Ravenna, Ohio Coach’s Fight: Eddie Ward’s Long Recovery Begins After Accident, Family Leans on Faith
Community Rallies as Cleighton Strickland Shows Signs of Recovery
The family of Cleighton Strickland is holding onto hope and celebrating small victories after a tragic incident left him in need of intensive care.
18-year-old Cleighton is the son of Amy Johnson and Scott Strickland and brother to Gregory. He been at the center of his family’s unwavering support for the past six weeks.
In a significant step forward, Cleighton was recently transferred to The Shepherd Center in Atlanta, a renowned facility for brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation.
His progress over the last two weeks has given his loved ones reason for optimism. He is now able to visually follow people around the room, respond to cues, and squeeze hands.
Doctors have also restarted his feeding tube.
However, the road to recovery is not without challenges. Cleighton is currently battling an infection that requires a spinal tap.
Through this difficult time, his girlfriend, Mary Claire, and her family have remained constantly by his side, offering their steadfast love and support.
Cleighton’s strength is blossoming, and he’s ready to thrive at the Shepherd Center! He’s able to do so many new things in just a short period of time since we saw him last. He continues to fight and we are so proud of him!
Leah Jones McTaggartThe Strickland family has expressed gratitude for the continued prayers for his well-being.
The community has come together to help the family with mounting medical and living expenses. Marlo Blankenship has organized a GoFundMe.
Additionally, the Trojans are selling fundraiser T-shirts to provide financial aid. They are selling short sleeves for $20 and long sleeves for $25.
Those wishing to purchase a shirt and show their support can place an order via this form: https://forms.gle/ryW9voztWzN6kW3ZA
The link will be open until this Friday.
My prayer today!
You have shown yourself to us in the details and we are trusting you Lord! Help us now Lord… help us move forward to complete and miraculous healing!!! We ask this Lord in Jesus name!
You know the pain we feel because you watched your son suffer..please help us now and remove all unnecessary suffering and begin the healing and restoration that ONLY can come from You!! Our Savior!
Amen
People also viewed: Former Cedar Park High School Student-Athlete Hank Newman Suffers Severe Injuries in Serious Car Accident While Heading Home for the Holidays
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AshishAshish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.
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