Hit-and-run crash
Early on June 23, 2012, Slifer was hit by a motorist while walking in Santa Monica, California, after spending the evening with friends. The driver fled the scene. Slifer was seriously injured, suffering breaks to some ribs, his collar bone, and his shoulder. Most critically, due to head injuries, doctors had to remove a portion of Slifer's skull[12] and place him in an induced coma[13] at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
S.L.I.F.E.R., the Society for Legal, Investigative and Financial Empowerment and Recovery, was created in July 2012 to assist in bringing the hit-and-run driver to justice and providing updates on Slifer's condition.[14] The nonprofit assistance organization The Hero Initiative helped raise money to assist in Slifer's legal case and medical care.[15]
Slifer's sister Connie Carlton took over his care, and in late July 2012, Slifer was moved from UCLA's Ronald Reagan Neuroscience/Trauma Intensive Care Unit to Barlow Respiratory Hospital in Los Angeles. At that point, he was still comatose.[16] Slifer's condition improved at Barlow, and he emerged from his coma. In late September 2012, he was transferred to the sub-acute care facility Goldstar Rehabilitation Services, in Santa Monica.[17]
As of late February 2013, Slifer was awaiting surgery to replace the portion of his skull removed immediately after the crash. Carlton had arranged to transport Slifer to Indiana for further rehabilitation.[18] He died on March 30, 2015.[19]
