Albertville HS student-athlete recovering after being hit by car while running

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - An Albertville student-athlete is in the hospital after being struck by a vehicle Friday night while running, per an Albertville City School System spokesperson.

Daniel Leija, a 17-year-old senior at Albertville High School and defending Marshall County varsity boys’ cross-country champion, was hit by a car while running on a walking trail on Highway 69 at Sunset Drive in Guntersville.

The district spokesperson says after being struck by the vehicle, Leija was life-flighted to Huntsville Hospital where he has already undergone three surgeries. The road to recovery remains a long process for Leija, the spokesperson said.

The Albertville City Schools System released the following statement:

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