Injured school crossing guard Natalie Boles doing better

A school crossing guard who was struck by a pickup truck near Sangaree Intermediate School remains in intensive care but is making progress, her husband said Tuesday.

Natalie C. Boles, 35, of Summerville, suffered a severe head injury last week when hit by a pickup driven by a 16-year-old girl. The driver, a Goose Creek resident, was ticketed $225 for disobeying a school guard, the S.C. Highway Patrol said.

Boles is listed in fair condition at Medical University Hospital, and though she has had some setbacks, she most recently has shown signs of progress, said her husband, Travis Boles.

“She is in and out. She even jokes a bit. She has a long way to go, and it's going to be a long time before we get the real Natalie back,” Boles said.

He said Natalie speaks occasionally, and has some short-term memory issues. He said the Sangaree Intermediate staff and its students, and the entire community, have been very helpful, have sent many cards and get-well wishes and have offered their prayers.

Natalie is shown the cards and letters when she is alert, said her husband, a Navy nuclear power school instructor.

“I've been showing her (the cards and letters) a few at a time, when she's able, and she's very happy and appreciative of them,” he said.

The Boleses have been in the Lowcountry for two years, and the youngest of their three children attends Sangaree Intermediate. Natalie was directing traffic at 7:27 a.m. on May 9 at the intersection of Royle Road and Sangaree Parkway when she was struck.

Berkeley County authorities who came to the scene reported that Natalie was unconscious after the impact.

Travis Boles said he prefers not to talk about the accident, but noted, “It's dangerous out there. You couldn't expect it to be that dangerous.”

He said what he really wants to say is thanks to all the people who have expressed support, prayed for and sent best wishes to Natalie and the family.

“We didn't really expect this type of overwhelming support,” he said. “We are really appreciative of what they've done for us. She's having a really tough time and I just want them to keep thinking about her,” Boles said.

Reach Edward C. Fennell at 937-5560.