This exclusive photo shows a cheerful, smiling Victoria Ruvolo – before nearly every bone in her face was shattered by a Long Island teenager who hurled a 20-pound turkey at her windshield in a twisted prank that left her fighting for her life.
The bird was thrown with such force, it bent the steering wheel back 10 inches before slamming into Victoria’s face.
Victoria, 44, spent the holiday at Stony Brook Medical Center, where she is in serious condition as a result of the Nov. 13 attack, which also caused bleeding in her brain and sent her into a coma.
She had to undergo 10 hours of reconstructive surgery.
The Lake Ronkonkoma resident, who is one of seven siblings, has been surrounded by family and friends during her hospital stay – but yesterday was especially poignant.
“We’re just trying to be as supportive as we can through all of this,” said a family friend who spent yesterday by her side.
“People have been coming every day, but obviously, Thanksgiving is special.”
He said she seemed to be improving and appeared slightly more alert. Doctors have said her facial swelling has receded.
Other holiday visitors included Victoria’s nieces, nephews, sister and brother-in-law as well as her passenger the night of the attack, who managed to grab the steering wheel and safely pull over.
Six teenagers – in the car from which the turkey was thrown, and in another vehicle following it – face charges in connection with the stupid prank.
At least four friends in the cars have fingered 18-year-old Ryan Cushing of Huntington as the one who threw the turkey.
Cushing, who has a prior arrest for throwing an egg at a house, faces up to 25 years in jail if convicted of assault.
The others face various charges stemming from the purchase of the turkey, which was bought with a stolen credit card.
The teens were arrested after cops viewed surveillance tape from the Waldbaum’s supermarket where they allegedly used to card to buy the turkey and other merchandise.
Cushing’s lawyer said his client couldn’t have aimed the bird at the windshield because he is legally blind.
“He can only see everything close up,” said the lawyer, insisting it was just a tragic accident.
But the victim’s friends and family are not interested in his excuses.
“That’s really not important right now,” Victoria’s friend yesterday.
“We’re just worried about her getting better.”