[June 29, 2011] Fame And Misfortune Tweet Jun 27, 2011 (KIAH-TV - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- CHARLEVOIX, In -- You think high school sucked for you? Try stepping into this 6-foot-6 Indiana teen's oversized basketball shoes. At age 8, Austin Hatch survived a plane crash that killed his mom, brother and sister. Despite that tragedy, he grew up to become a high flyer on his basketball team. According to his coach, he never talked about the accident that surely changed his life forever. Earlier this month Austin, now 16, received a phone call he'd only dreamed of. The University of Michigan offered him as a junior a full scholarship to come play ball for them. With moves like that, it was obvious he had a bright future. That is, until last week. Austin was headed off to a family vacation in a single-engine plane captained by his aviator dad. His stepmom was with them. Before reaching their destination, the plane diverted to Charlevoix, Indiana. An area resident heard the plane overhead and said he could hear the engine cutting in and out. That's right before it crashed into the garage of an unoccupied house. Family spokesperson said: "when we first got the phone call...it was almost like 'it's gotta be a mistake.' you're talking about 8 years ago, and then they had to repeat it and let us know. No, it happened again." Austin's dad and stepmom were both killed in the crash. The teen suffered serious head injuries, a punctured lung and fractures to his ribs and collarbone. He was put into a medically-induced coma while doctors worked on him. This week, doctors continue to watch the pressure on his brain and hope to bring Austin out of his coma. Family members say they haven't discussed where Austin will live when (and if) he recovers. They are just praying for his safety. The next time you feel like your life sucks, think of this kid and maybe send up a prayer for him, he's going to need it. To see more of KIAH-TV, go to http://www.39online.com/ Copyright (c) 2011, KIAH-TV, Houston Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]