A Slidell girl left in a coma after last week’s head-on collision with an apparent drunk driver has received an outpouring of support from the community.

Ashlee Stokes, 15, was going to get ice cream with a family friend, Kerry Lindsey, on the evening of May 25 in Lacombe. Having recently received her learner’s permit, she was anxious to try out her driving skills, and Lindsey agreed.

“You know how you are at that age, you’ll drive to the mailbox if someone will let you,” said Lisa Gust, a neighbor.

Stokes

They were on Fish Hatchery Road when a car driven by Callan Gill crossed the center line, slamming into them and spinning both cars off the road.

According to police reports, Gill was likely intoxicated, and police are still awaiting toxicology reports. She has been charged with DWI, two counts of first-degree vehicular negligent injury and improper lane use. She remained hospitalized Friday with minor injuries, and upon her release she was scheduled to be taken to St. Tammany Parish Jail.

Gust, a nurse at Slidell Memorial Hospital, said Stokes is well liked in the neighborhood and often babysits for many of the families.

“She is just an angel, really an adorable girl,” said Gust. “This has just devastated our neighborhood.”

Strangers and family friends alike have come forward to offer their prayers and support for the family. Gust said her father-in-law, who lives in North Dakota, has added the girl to his church’s prayer list. A relative of the Stokes family has also set up a Web site, www.ashleestokes.com, to keep friends and family members updated on Ashlee’s status.

The site has several pictures of the young girl and notes she remains in stable condition at Tulane Pediatric Hospital. Dozens of comments are posted from Northshore High School classmates, aunts and uncles, and other members of the community, hoping for her quick recovery.

“We all believe in the power of prayer,” said Gust. “She will get better.”

If the unthinkable happens and the teenager was to die from her injuries, Gill would be charged with vehicular homicide, said Trooper Louis Calato, of State Police Troop L.