Daniel Blagojevic, a 19-year-old tennis player at Missouri Baptist University, was severely injured in a wrong-way collision on I-270 in November 2024.
The tragic accident claimed the life of the other driver and left Blagojevic with significant injuries, including a fractured jaw and hip, broken ribs, and internal bleeding.
Highlights
- Despite sustaining severe injuries from a tragic wrong-way collision, Daniel Blagojevic has shown incredible strength and determination in his recovery.
- The Oakville community, Missouri Baptist University community, and many others have rallied around Daniel and his family.
- Standing at an impressive 6’7″, Daniel has been a key member of the Missouri Baptist tennis team.
Daniel Blagojevic is a dedicated tennis player at Missouri Baptist University who had three singles victories in the first season with the program.
He gravitated towards sports since a young age and played tennis since his high school days.
Blagojevic, a graduate of Oakville High School, has been an important member of the Missouri Baptist University tennis team since his high school graduation.
In the college team, he is known for his remarkable resilience and positive attitude. His commitment to the sport and his team is evident in the energy he brings to every practice and match.
Sadly, since his accident at the end of 2024, he has been bed-ridden and unable to play tennis for the time being.
Daniel Has Been Steadily Recovering And Showing Great Improvement Every Day
Daniel Blagojevic continues to recover following a severe wrong-way collision in November 2024.
Originally from Oakville, Blagojevic has demonstrated incredible strength and determination in the aftermath of the tragic event.
Reports indicate that there have been ten fatal wrong-way crashes in the St. Louis area since November 2024.
Blagojevic’s accident on I-270 resulted in the death of the other driver, but he was fortunate to survive.
However, he sustained severe injuries, including a fractured jaw and hip, broken ribs, and internal bleeding.
On February 5th, MBU tennis student-athlete Danijel Blagojevic was hit head-on by a driver traveling down the wrong side of the highway.
— Missouri Baptist Athletics (@MBUAthletics) February 11, 2025
This page has been created to help him and his family get through this very difficult time. Donations for medical costs are greatly… pic.twitter.com/9G7mvSkUlc
He has undergone three surgeries so far, with the latest one taking place on February 14, 2025.
Since the accident, his family, tennis coach Scott Goodyear, and teammates have visited him, providing strength and support.
Further, his mother, Marina claimed that he had been showing signs of improvement each day.
One of his teammates and close friends, Cristian Padilla, who consistently visits him in the hospital, said of his condition:
He looks so much better than he did on the first day, and he’s starting to recover. So he’s always in the back of my mind, but it definitely helps knowing that he’s okay.
Cristian Padilla
Daniel has been recovering day by day, and with the well wishes of his family and friends, he is sure to recover quickly.
Blagojevic’s Resilience Highlights His Passion For His Sport
Even in the face of life-threatening injuries and trauma, Blagojevic’s primary concern after the accident was missing practice.
His dedication to the sport and his team remains unwavering, even as he faces the challenges of recovery.
His teammate, Padilla, emphasized the kind of person and athlete Blagojevic is through his actions and words.
The first thing he said was, ‘Hey, I was in a bad accident. I got hit pretty hard, but I just want to let you know I’m OK.’ And just with his positivity, he was like, ‘I won’t be at practice, though.
Fox 2 News
Blagojevic’s absence is keenly felt by the Missouri Baptist tennis team, which played its first varsity home match without him on Friday.
Further, the Oakville community, Missouri Baptist University community, and many others have stepped up to assist Blagojevic and his family with medical expenses.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover Blagojevic’s medical costs. As of February 14, over $27,000 has been raised.
As Daniel continues to recover, his strength and the support from his loved ones give hope that he will be fully healed soon.
Additional Information
- Standing at an impressive 6’7″, Daniel secured a victory in a singles match against Cooper Pennington at Westminster College in September 2024.
- In October 2024, Blagojevic also won a singles match at Mo-St. Louis, defeating Jose Yanez.
- In September 2024, Blagojevic, alongside his partner Alex Meyer, won a doubles match with a commanding score of 6-1.
