Man known for his positive spirit reclaims the corner where his life nearly ended
Twice in his life, Brad Fritz has beaten the odds.
The Kentucky native has survived not one but two devastating crashes, and both times, he’s come out determined to keep smiling.
Fritz first captured the community’s attention in 1999 when he was just 15 years old. The Covington Catholic football standout was riding in a car driven by another teen who had been drinking. The vehicle crashed into a tree near Highland Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, leaving Fritz with a traumatic brain injury that changed his life forever.
In the years since, he’s become a familiar face in Northern Kentucky, known for speaking to schools about perseverance and the dangers of drinking and driving. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he stood on the corner of Turkeyfoot Road and College Park Drive, waving at drivers just to brighten their day.
“I think just because everyone has had a tough day and they just want to see a smile,” Fritz said.
But in July, that same corner became the scene of another tragedy. Police say 63-year-old James McIliguddy hit Fritz while driving drunk. He spent more than a month in the hospital with life-threatening injuries, but once again refused to give up.
“I’m still alive,” he said. “So why waste time being sad?”
Through every setback, Fritz has found purpose in positivity. Now he’s back at his corner, waving at cars, blowing kisses, and soaking in the honking horns from drivers who remember his story.
“Nothing else matters when I see people smiling and showing me love back,” Fritz said.
After surviving so much, Brad Fritz is once again doing what he loves—reminding everyone who passes by that no matter how tough the road gets, there’s always a reason to smile.
“Just keep your head up and smile,” he said. “Because it will be worth it in the end.”
