Two Years After Paralysis, 10-Year-Old Receives Custom Mario Kart Wheelchair Costume

Oakland, California – Asa Luo, a 10-year-old boy paralyzed from the neck down two years ago after being struck by a stray bullet on I-580, celebrated Halloween with a custom-designed Mario Kart costume fitted for his wheelchair. The heartwarming reveal, which took place at Chabot Elementary School, was made possible through the collaboration of Oakland Police Officer Cory Hunt and the non-profit organization Magic Wheelchair. The event brought significant joy to Asa and his family, highlighting community support in the face of adversity.

The incident that led to Asa's paralysis occurred in July 2023 when he was 8 years old. While riding with his family on I-580 near Grand Avenue, he was caught in the crossfire of a gang-related shooting involving a stolen Mercedes and a Dodge Durango, leaving him with a spinal cord injury. The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the shooting that left Asa requiring a mechanical respirator and 24-hour nursing care.

The elaborate 12-foot red Yoshi-themed Mario Kart costume, which took nearly four months to build, features ground effects lighting that flashes with music and sound effects. Officer Hunt, a 27-year veteran of the Oakland Police Department who plans to continue his volunteer work with Magic Wheelchair after retirement, designed the kart with accessible controls. Asa can activate sound effects with a button located in his wheelchair headrest, and the costume even includes a remote-controlled red shell for interactive play.

Asa expressed his excitement, stating, > "I'm pretty excited, because I love Mario Kart." His parents, Melissa Neuwelt and Caesar Luo, shared their gratitude for the community's support. Melissa Neuwelt remarked, "I feel so much gratitude that he is back with his family, living his life, learning, enjoying, celebrating the holiday," while Caesar Luo added that days like this "put a very positive spin on a very negative thing."

The custom costume not only provided Asa with a unique Halloween experience but also symbolized the resilience of his family and the compassion of the community. Officer Hunt emphasized the importance of such creations, noting that they allow children like Asa to be "seen for who they are — in a cool costume." This initiative underscores the power of community efforts in bringing moments of normalcy and joy to children facing extraordinary challenges.