From Tragedy to Triumph: River Pendergrass Overcomes Accident to Win WKC National Karate Championship
Norwin Student Hit by SUV Survives and Succeeds
In a stunning display of resilience, grit, and heart, 13-year-old River Pendergrass has gone from the brink of tragedy to the top of the martial arts world. After surviving a life-threatening accident — struck by an SUV while walking to school — River defied all odds to claim victory at the prestigious WKC (World Karate Commission) National Championships. His remarkable comeback story has inspired an entire community.
On November 10, 2023, then 11-year-old River, a sixth grader at Norwin, was involved in a terrible accident that changed his life forever. While walking near Hillcrest Intermediate School, he was struck by an SUV, the impact launching him 20 feet into the air. He suffered multiple serious injuries, including a fractured skull, a severe concussion, and internal trauma. North Huntingdon EMS rushed him to UPMC Children’s Hospital, and for a time, his teammates feared the worst—unsure if he would ever be able to practice karate again.
“The accident changed everything,” said his mother, Ashley.
11-year old Norwin Student River Pendergrass was struck by an SUV and rushed to UPMC Children’s Hospital
NORTH HUNTINGDON, Pa. — A Hillcrest Intermediate sixth-grade student was hit by a car when crossing a street this morning.
First responders were called to Mockingbird Drive, where the school is located, around 7:45 a.m. for reports of a pedestrian accident.
Neighbors were in shock Friday afternoon. Andrew Havranek, WPXI-TV
For a young athlete with dreams of competing on the national stage, the prognosis was devastating. But for those who knew River, there was never any doubt that he would fight his way back.
His father, Justin, shared, “The road to recovery was long and stressful.” River’s journey was mentally grueling. Months of therapy and setbacks tested his spirit. But through it all, he never let go of his passion for karate. With the support of his family, coaches, and fellow students, he slowly began rebuilding his strength and was finally allowed to visit the dojo again in April 2024.
His coaches describe him as a “warrior with a heart of gold,” known for his quiet determination and unwavering focus. “Most kids would have given up,” said Sensei Bill Viola jr. said, “River never did. Even when he was sidelined, he was practicing his techniques in his mind.”
By 2025, River shocked the martial arts world by returning to competition — more than a year and a half after being hospitalized. He first entered the Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival’s Kumite Classic Championships in Columbus, Ohio, in March. He was able to secure a bronze and gold medal in his sparring divisions. He was back! Then he set his sights on the 2025 WKC National Championships in Detroit, Michigan. Facing some of the best young talent from across the country, River stepped onto the mat with steel resolve.
Match after match, he advanced — fueled by discipline, emotion, and purpose. During the Friday preliminaries, however, he suffered a “late hit” that nearly knocked him out.
“It was a cheap shot,” explained River’s coach. “The judges had called for a break, and the opposing player hurled a haymaker that River never saw coming.” River required immediate medical evaluation, and his family and teammates feared it was the end of his run.
He was advised to bow out of the match. He was crushed.
However, the national championships are double elimination, and with multiple categories, River would still get his chance to settle the score on Saturday. He was given medical clearance — and returned with a rejuvenated spirit.
In the quarterfinals, River was matched against the same competitor who had injured him the night before. In a heated rematch, River dominated the bout to advance — and avenge his earlier loss.
By the end of the tournament, River had earned a national title, standing atop the podium with gold around his neck and tears of joy in his eyes.
River’s victory was more than just a personal achievement — it was a symbol of perseverance, courage, and the unbreakable spirit of a martial artist. This is a story we hope goes viral, touching hearts far beyond the karate world. Community leaders, local media, and martial arts champions alike have praised his journey.
“This isn’t just about winning a trophy,” said dojo head Sensei Bill Viola Jr. “River is the embodiment of what martial arts is all about — overcoming adversity, showing respect, and never quitting.”
With a national title now under his belt, River is setting his sights on the WKC World Championships in Canada this October. His dreams of representing Team USA on the international stage have come to fruition. He’s also become a motivational leader for other young students at the dojo, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
In a world often defined by setbacks, River Pendergrass is proof that the true measure of a champion is not how many times they fall — but how many times they get back up.
A 6th grade student was taken to the hospital after being struck by a vehicle outside a school in North Huntingdon. The 11-year old boy was hit outside Hillcrest Intermediate School along Mockingbird Drive Friday morning.
The mother of the child shared this statement to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4:
On Mockingbird Drive, where Norwin School District’s Hillcrest Intermediate School is located, neighbors told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 the sixth grader who was hit lives diagonally across the street from his school building.
“I was very shocked. because that has never happened before,” said neighbor Melissa Hredocik. She said she wanted to reach out to the family, “Just to let them know that we’re here for them if they need anything, that we’ll help them. and we just hope and pray that he’s okay and he ‘s not really seriously injured.”
“My prayers go the the family. I mean, I’m speechless. I’m so sorry that happened. That has never happened in all the years that I’ve lived here. But inevitably, something was going to happen because the cars just go so fast,” said Charlene Cervino, a neighbor.
Cervino was alerted by the barking of her dog and looked out her window at the scene.
“I saw what looked like a little boy with the school staff surrounding him. And I saw the nurse running down the hill,” Cervino said. “It’s heart wrenching. You can’t even look, you just pray.”
“There’s a lot of people that just speed down these roads. We’re always telling people like to slow down,” said Hredocik.
Police said the driver did stop after hitting the child and was very concerned.
North Huntingdon EMS Rescue transported the boy to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
“The parents were with him there at the scene. Apparently he lives pretty close and mom was able to accompany him to the hospital in the ambulance,” said Shane Spielvogle, executive director of North Huntingdon EMS Rescue.
“School mornings in districts are very busy, people trying to get the school, to work. It is very easy to kind of lose focus for a moment and accidents do happen. So, we just ask that everyone when they’re operating in the mornings and the afternoons and especially around schools, that they take they take an extra moment of caution, just to watch for students on their way to or other people out and about,” Spielvogle said.
Neighbor Donna Dowd said for years she’s been raising concerns over the increase in traffic and drivers speeding and failing to stop at stop signs. She wants to see an increased police presence on Mockingbird Drive when kids are heading to and from school.
“I thought for sure this afternoon at dismissal, we would see a police car up here, and there was none,” Dowd said.
She’s encouraging other neighbors and parents to speak up.
“I’m one voice. I would love to see more people go to the school board meetings and talk to the police department, so it’s not one or two people raising the concern,” Dowd said.
Neighbor Frank Swerock said, “A lot of the kids, they don’t stop at the stop lights, they come zipping by here. We’ve been waiting for something to happen.”
“School administration has been and will continue to be in contact with the family to support them,” said Dr. Jeff Taylor, Norwin superintendent in a written statement. “Our school counselors and social workers will be available for any students needing additional support today. Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families.”
https://www.wtae.com/article/6th-grader-struck-by-car-outside-westmoreland-county-school/45803097
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/pittsburgh/news/norwin-middle-school-student-struck-by-vehicle-while-walking-to-school/
