Girl impaled by rod dies from injuries


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PLEASANT VIEW — An 11-year-old Pleasant View girl who was impaled by a rod that held blinds died Monday night.

Earlier in the day, doctors told family members that tests showed Nichole "Nikki" Clark was brain dead. By early evening, McKay Dee Hospital confirmed her death.

Nikki had been in the hospital in critical condition since Saturday but took a turn for the worse Monday.

Tears ran down Brandi Babbitt's cheeks as she talked about her young cousin. In a time of extreme tragedy, Babbitt spoke for the family.

"You wouldn't wish that on anyone; and for it to be happening to us, it's hard," she said.

"She never, ever thought of herself," Babbitt added. "She was always giving, and wanting people's love."

What happened to Nikki was a combination of bad luck and natural instinct. Outside, playing with the dog on Saturday, she had a rod used for window blinds with her. As she went up the stairs, she fell.


You wouldn't wish that on anyone; and for it to be happening to us, it's hard.

–Brandi Babbitt, family spokeswoman


The rod pierced through Nikki's chest and exited through her neck. "And your first reaction when that happens, of course, is to pull it out," Babbitt said.

But that action, as everyone learned later, was an innocent mistake on Nikki's. Her condition got worse, fast.

"She immediately bled out within two minutes," Babbitt said.

Clark was in such bad shape that doctors had a hard time moving her. They originally wanted to get her to Primary Children's Medical Center, but her health was too fragile, even after surgery. So, she received treatment at McKay Dee Hospital.

With her deteriorating prognosis, it was a grim limbo for loved ones: hoping for a miracle, while remembering Nikki in a better place.

"She was the light of the room," Babbitt said. "She was always smiling, and very dramatic."

Words of well wishes in children's handwriting were scattered across the principal's desk at Pioneer Elementary, Nikki's school.

Police now offer words of caution following the rarest of home accidents.

"You want to leave it in there, because when you pull it out it causes more damage," said Pleasant View Police Sgt. Jerry Anderson.

The family is now facing a mountain of medical bills in addition to what looks like funeral expenses. If you'd like to help the family financially, a fund* has been set up at U.S. Bank under the name of Nicole Clark.

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ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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