Former Gymnast Tana Raye Survived a Devastating Gasoline Explosion at Age 9 in Colton, California, Now Fighting Chronic Ulcers, Pain, and Immune Issues
Tana experienced frequent nightmares and panic attacks, triggered by the trauma of her injuries.
October 7, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 7, 2026
At just nine years old, Tana Raye’s life was forever changed by a devastating gasoline explosion.
Tana was airlifted to Colton with only a 10% chance of survival; her family was forced to prepare for the worst.
The accident left Tana with severe burns that impacted her physical health and mental well-being for decades.
Before the tragic incident, Tana led an active and vibrant life. She was a gymnast, a softball player, and even a successful clothing model and pageant competitor.
Recently, she took to a named Burns Support Group and recalled the trauma that came with not only surviving but living with lifelong scars.
She wrote,
when I was 9 years old I was life flighted to armc in Colton California with a 10% chance of survival. my mother was told to prepare for the worst. It shattered our lives as we knew it. I was a clothing model, I completed in pageants and often won, I was a performer, a gymnast, and I played softball.
In addition to the physical challenges, she also faced mental health struggles.
Tana experienced frequent nightmares and panic attacks, triggered by the trauma of her injuries.
The memory of the burns and the sensation of people touching her sensitive scar tissue have caused friction in her daily interactions. She shared,
“I feel like people are touching my open wounds and rubbing on my body, and I find myself telling people not to touch me,” , “Everyone calls me crazy, but I get sick all the time. I have a very weak immune system. Why do people call me crazy? I just simply don’t want to get sick.”
Her health issues extend far beyond her immune system. She suffers from chronic ulcers on existing scar tissue and requires reconstructive orthopedic surgery to remove metal rods left from a 2004 operation.
Currently on bed rest, she is facing agonizing pain while trying to raise funds for the necessary surgeries.
To cover medical costs, transportation, hotel stays during consultations, and recovery supplies, she has launched a campaign.
Support from the online burn survivor community has been encouraging. Colin Narf, a burn survivor himself, welcomed Tana to a support group, sharing,
Hi Tana Raye. Welcome to the group. I know first hand at how much being burnt can affect people both physically and mentally. After 40 plus years i still have troubles. When you do you open your go fund me page you can post it in the group as others have done.
Other social media users offered advice and potential treatment options.
David Browne, a resident of the Gold Coast, Queensland, took to the comment section and shared his experience with an alternative hydrogen inhalation machine that he claims has made all his scars disappear.
He said,
I sell nothing at all, but the machine I have been using everyday (Alternative Hydrogen inhalation} has made every single scar and mark 100% disappear on my body Tana, as God is my witness I swear it 100% so.
Tana replied to the comment, noting she would share the testimonial video to spread awareness of potential recovery tools. She ,
David Browne wow what great technology
Despite the setbacks, Tana has expressed a desire to give back and connect with others who have experienced similar trauma.
She dreams of organizing a pageant for burn survivors, helping them celebrate confidence. Tana ,
“Please share my story. I would love to connect with other survivors,”
Her journey showcased the long-term struggles faced by survivors of severe burns, both physical and psychological.
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Rohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.
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