A McDonald’s manager in Yuba City was rushed to the ICU with horrific burns after a co-worker allegedly threw scorching hot oil on him following their shift.
Jacob Smith, 20, suffered third-degree burns to his face, neck, hands and shoulders and is receiving specialized treatment at UC Davis Medical Center.
is receiving specialized treatment at UC Davis Medical Center. GoFundMe
Police said the attack happened May 30 when Smith’s co-worker, 23-year-old Jalani Bluett, is accused of attacking him.
Following the incident, Bluett was reported missing before authorities located him days later and took him into custody, according to CBS News.
Smith’s mother, Amber Smith, said her son, a manager at the restaurant, is engaged and working hard to build a life for himself.
While he faces a long road to recovery and remains in significant pain, she said he has stayed remarkably positive through the ordeal.
“My son has an amazing spirit and in the midst of all of this has been positive and trying to make us feel better,” Amber Smith said.
“It was just so random of a thing, he’s a really good kid and it’s not just because he’s my son, he’s just a really good kid and has a good positive spirit about him.”
She said the family has been overwhelmed by the community’s support as Smith continues his recovery. To help cover expenses, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign.
“As his mother, it broke my heart when he looked at me and said, ‘Why would he do this to me?’ I want to help him not have to worry about day-to-day finances and how to make ends meet, but instead be able to focus on his recovery,” Amber Smith wrote.
The 20-year-old is expected to undergo additional surgeries next week, including a skin graft procedure.
Bluett was booked into the Sutter County Jail and is facing a charge of battery causing serious bodily injury.
