Dad was told by Lincoln police that his daughter had died in the crash, then learned that she was still alive

An 18-year-old male has been arrested in connection with a crash in Lincoln that left two people dead and 20 others injured over the weekend, according to Lincoln police.

One of those crash survivors just graduated from Lincoln Southeast.

The family’s graduation joy turns to sadness when her father thinks she’s dead after an accident.

But he said his prayers were answered a few hours later.

Hannah Wadiso, 18, graduated from high school on May 28.

The next day, her family celebrates her achievement.

Tesfaye Ailbe, Wadiso’s father, said: “We had a great day, enjoying the music and the compliments.

That night, she asked her father if she could go out.

“Around 7 p.m., around there, she said she wanted to go see the car race on Umbrella Street. “People are watching,” she said,’ Ailbe said.

As most parents do, Ailbe is worried but agrees.

“Be careful,” I said,’ Ailbe said. ““Okay, I’ll be careful,” she said,’ Ailbe said.

Ailbe’s intuition told him something was wrong.

“My heart never calmed down. I simply followed them, went all the way to Hy-Vee and walked around, didn’t see them so I went home,” Ailbe said.

About four hours later, he received a phone call that no parent wanted.

“Someone who was helping her pull her from under the car said, ‘I have this number. You don’t know me, but your daughter was in an accident and in bad shape, contact her now,” said Ailbe.

Ailbe ran to the scene only to be told by an officer his daughter was dead.

“They say you can’t get through, you can’t see her, touch her, this is under investigation,” Ailbe said.

Ailbe said they told him she was killed by a car that ran over her.

“On the way, we cried, knelt, prayed,” said Ailbe.

Two hours later, Ailbe’s prayers were answered, when he received another phone call.

“She’s in the emergency room, Bryan West, her condition is critical. The car passed them and some people around lifted the car,” Ailbe said.

After several days in the hospital, she opened her eyes.

“Amen, hallelujah, thank God this is an opportunity,” he said.

He said his daughter cried.

The impact fractured her pelvis but the family believes she will recover with time.

“It’s God’s chance for you, daughter, to be happy, not angry,” Ailbe said.

The family said they are working to care for Hannah and their other child, who has special needs.

However, they feel grateful to only worry about recovery and bills.

“The other two didn’t get this chance. You’re in luck,” Ailbe said, referring to her daughter, who survived the crash. Two women were killed in the accident.

Alibe said he was saddened for the 18-year-old driver arrested in the crash, saying he was disappointed in his actions.

“I don’t hold grudges, I just feel bad,” Ailbe said.

He’s focused on Hannah and her second chance at life.

“God is good,” he said.