After Being Dragged Beneath a Drunk Driver’s Car, a 75-Year-Old Grandfather Receives a 3D-Printed Face — and a Second Chance at Life
Dave Richards’ story begins on what should have been a peaceful day. The 75-year-old grandfather of four was cycling with friends through the quiet village of Meare in Somerset, England, in July 2021. It was a route they had taken countless times before — a favorite escape into the countryside, surrounded by open fields and fresh air. But that afternoon changed everything when a drunk driver, distracted by his phone, veered off the road and struck Richards. What followed was an unimaginable ordeal that would test the limits of human strength, science, and compassion.
The impact was devastating. Dave was dragged underneath the vehicle, his body and face crushed by the force. Emergency responders who arrived on the scene later said it was a miracle he survived at all. His injuries were severe: his face was left disfigured, his eye socket destroyed, and part of his jaw crushed. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where doctors immediately began a fight to save his life — and, eventually, to give him back his face.
For months, Dave underwent surgery after surgery, as medical teams tried to repair what they could. Traditional reconstructive surgery could only do so much. That’s when doctors proposed something groundbreaking: a custom-built, 3D-printed prosthetic face designed specifically for him. Using precise scans and advanced computer modeling, specialists created a facial structure that would match his natural features, giving him not just function but also dignity — the ability to face his family and the world again without fear or shame.
The 3D printing process was nothing short of revolutionary. Engineers and surgeons worked hand-in-hand, mapping every curve and contour of his surviving bone structure to design a facial plate that would fit perfectly. The prosthetic wasn’t just cosmetic — it provided physical support for his jaw and facial muscles, allowing him to speak and eat more comfortably. When the day came for the fitting, Richards looked into the mirror and saw a face that, for the first time in years, resembled the man he once was.
But beyond the science and technology, there was something profoundly human about this story. Richards’ recovery became a symbol of perseverance — a man who refused to give up, even when his own reflection had been taken from him. His family stood by him every step of the way. His wife, children, and grandchildren became his reason to keep fighting. “I just wanted to see them smile again,” he told reporters. “That kept me going.”
The drunk driver responsible for the crash was later sentenced to prison, but Richards chose not to dwell on anger. Instead, he became an advocate for road safety and a living example of how technology and compassion can bring new hope to victims of devastating accidents. His doctors described him as one of the most determined patients they had ever met — a man who defied every odd simply by surviving.
Now, with his new 3D-printed face, Dave Richards is rebuilding his life. He’s back on his feet, surrounded by the family who once feared they’d lose him forever. While his physical scars remain, his courage has inspired countless others — including medical teams who continue to push the boundaries of reconstructive science. His story isn’t just about survival; it’s about innovation, resilience, and what can happen when humanity and technology work together.
Richards says he no longer takes a single moment for granted. “I’ve been given a second chance,” he said softly in one interview. “And I intend to live every bit of it.”
