A 20-year-old McDonald’s manager in Northern California is speaking publicly for the first time after police say a coworker threw boiling hot oil on him in a brutal attack that left him with severe burns across his body.
Jacob Smith is recovering at UC Davis Medical Center after suffering third-degree burns to his face, neck, hands and shoulders. The young fast-food worker has already undergone multiple surgeries, including a skin graft procedure, as doctors continue treating the devastating injuries.
In an emotional TikTok video from his hospital room, Smith thanked the people who have rallied around him since the shocking May 30 incident.
“It’s been very, very painful,” Smith said, his arms and neck wrapped in bandages. “Definitely, one of the hardest things of my life to get through.”
Despite the nightmare he is facing, Smith said he feels overwhelmed by the support from strangers, friends and family.
“I’m very, very thankful for everyone who’s supported me,” he said. “I’m extremely blessed and I feel like one of the luckiest people on earth.”
Police said Smith’s coworker, 23-year-old Jalani Bluett, allegedly threw the scorching oil on him after a shift. After the incident, Bluett was reported missing before authorities found him days later and took him into custody, according to CBS News.
Bluett was booked into the Sutter County Jail and is facing several charges, including battery causing serious bodily injury and assault with a deadly weapon. He is expected to appear in Sutter Superior Court on Friday, according to The Sacramento Bee.
Authorities have not said what may have led to the alleged attack.
Smith’s mother, Amber Smith, has launched a GoFundMe to help cover her son’s medical costs and living expenses while he is unable to work. The fundraiser has nearly reached its $200,000 goal.
“At just 20 years old, Jacob has worked hard to build a future for himself,” Amber wrote. “He is engaged to be married and has always been responsible, hardworking, and committed to those he loves.”
She said the attack has left her son facing a painful and uncertain recovery at a time when he should have been planning his future.
“This unexpected tragedy has created a major setback at a time when he should be looking forward to building his life and planning his future,” she wrote.
Amber also shared the heartbreaking moment that shattered her as a mother.
“As his mother, it broke my heart when he looked at me and said, ‘Why would he do this to me?’” she wrote. “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.”
Photos shared on the fundraiser show Smith in a hospital bed with visible burns on his face, neck and shoulders.
His family says the road ahead will be long, but they believe he can survive this painful chapter with the help of those around him.
“Jacob has a long road ahead, but he is strong, and we know that with the support of family, friends, and our community, he can get through this difficult chapter,” Amber wrote.
The Yuba County Sheriff’s Office has been contacted for more information.
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