MIDDLEBURG - Former Middleburg High linebacker great Kadin Hanifen, who graduated in 2025, is battling back from a horrific electric scooter accident on Aug. 14 that has left him nearly incapable of breathing on his own and traumatically bed ridden at the Intensive Care Unit at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital.

"As of Aug. 23, 4 p.m., Kadin is breathing on his own," reported mom Crystal Hanifen, as friends and family have been informed on social media of Kadin's tenuous situation and recovery. "The vent is on standby in case of emergency, but right now, his is fighting and moving mountains."

Crystal and husband Joe Hanifen are the lone documenting sources for Kadin Hanifen because medical personnel are concerned with him being overly stimulated by visits. The accident occurred nearly two weeks ago when Kadin and boyhood friend Brad Darnold were wheeling around their neighborhood on electric scooters near South Deer Avenue.

At some point, according to Darnold and numerous friends' accounts, the front wheel of Kadin's scooter started shaking and he toppled to the concrete.

"Kadin is still not following commands, but we know he will work to get there as well," Crystal said. "There's still a long road ahead with physical therapy, rehab, etc., but with his strength and prayer, he will continue to do amazing things."

The violent accident caused Kadin to experience what medical professionals call Neurostorms (Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity) which, according to journals, typically happens after a major traumatic brain injury (TBI) or severe damage to the brain. During a Neurostorm episode, the body's "fight or flight" mode gets stuck in "fight" mode. The Neurostorms normally cause high heart rates, high blood pressure and high body temperature with outside stimulation able to trigger the storms.

On Thursday, Aug. 20, Kadin "stormed," as his mother reported, but medical attention curtailed it and he returned to a resting state.

At midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 19, Kadin opened his eyes and was able to squeeze his nurse's hand with the nurse. She asked Kadin to let go, then squeeze again, and he responded.

Kadin has had a series of surgeries over the weekend including a tracheotomy for breathing and a breathing tube for nutrition.

On Thursday, Aug. 20, friends and family gathered in the parking lot of the hospital in support the Hanifen family. The Middleburg Zaxby's will have a fundraising gathering on Thursday, Aug. 27. A Sunday carwash is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 30 at Clay County Town Center.

The Hanifens also have a GOFUNDMe account for medical expenses.