Four Windy City Rollers were injured over the weekend on the way to the roller derby league's annual awards ceremony when their car was hit head-on by another vehicle evading police.
Erin Karson, public relations manager for the Windy City Rollers, said in an email that two of the members, Carlie Lusk and Sarah Knipple, were hospitalized due to their injuries, and Knipple remains in a trauma ward. Members Irene Kim and Maggie Follis were also injured.
According to Karson, the four were on their way to the Black and Blue Ball, the annual awards ceremony for the Windy City Rollers on Saturday night, one day after their season opener. Their car was struck by another that was trying to evade the police. Knipple was to receive three awards at the ceremony that night.
Since the accident, Karson said the roller derby community has come together to help the injured players by helping with daily activities. Karson also said an online fundraising page has also been set up to help pay for their medical bills by a group of fellow teammates.
As of Wednesday, nearly $4,600 had been raised.
The Four Rollers are better known to fans by their league nicknames. Kim skates as Senorita Slam, Follis as Janicide Joplin, Lusk as Baberaham Lincoln and Knipple as Moby Nipps.
Want more? Discuss this article and others on RedEye's Facebook page.