An MSU student is in critical condition in a Saginaw hospital after a car crash Monday night.

St. Charles resident and Lyman Briggs freshman Samuel Howell is "clinging for life" after a rollover accident on M-52 in Saginaw County, said state Sen. Mike Goschka, R-Brant, who is acting as the Howell family spokesman.

Staff at Covenant Medical Center in Saginaw confirmed Howell's critical status on Wednesday.

"He is unable to communicate," said Goschka, who visited Howell both Monday and Tuesday.

Goschka said Howell was driving on the highway after receiving an X-ray at a nearby hospital when his vehicle went off the road and rolled several times.

Goschka said rescue crews had to cut away the roof of the smashed vehicle and fly Howell to Covenant Medical Center.

"The family is praying for a miracle - and we need a miracle," Goschka said.

The Saginaw County Sheriff's Department did not return calls on Wednesday.

"Obviously, the family is just very taken back by all of this," Goschka said. "They are prepared for the worst, but are praying and hoping for the best."

Howell is an Eagle Scout who has a strong interest in science and medicine. He completed a special high school program at Harvard University before coming to MSU.

After his sister was diagnosed with a form of cancer, Howell devoted his life to finding a cure, Goschka said.

Goschka, who watched Howell grow up, said he is "top shelf in every area of his life," and many are praying for his recovery.