Teen recovering after being hit by SUV in front of Ernest Righetti High Tuesday evening
{Editor's Note} The original version of this story stated this incident was a hit and run. The driver of the vehicle did stop following the collision and cooperated with law enforcement at the scene.
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – A 14-year-old is recovering after being hit by a GMC Yukon on Foster Road in front of Ernest Righetti High Tuesday evening.
The California Highway Patrol-Santa Maria Area (CHP) is investigating the incident and anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Naylor at 805-608-6310.
"We remain concerned about the well-being of the young pedestrian involved in this incident and extend our support to him and his family during this difficult time," said Commander Joe Rodriguez.
On Sep. 9, around 6:05 p.m., dispatchers received multiple reports of a vehicle versus a pedestrian crash near the intersection of Foster Road and Woodland Street stated a press release Wednesday from the CHP.
According to the CHP, a preliminary investigation indicated that a white GMC Yukon was heading westbound on Foster Road and approaching the intersection of Woodland Street when a 14-year-old boy was attempting to cross Foster.
The 14-year-old was riding an electric scooter and was in the designated crosswalk when he was struck by the vehicle and he was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center for further medical treatment detailed the CHP.
Your News Channel spoke with the 14-year-old's mother and she shared that her son was heading to a friend's house for a quinceañera rehearsal when he was struck.
After the collision, multiple people in the nearby area jumped into action to help her son and one pedestrian even asked if the teen wanted her to call his mother.
"On September 9th at 6:03 PM, I received the call no mother ever wants to hear: 'Your son has been hit by a car. Paramedics are on their way'," read a GoFundMe she set up.
According to the teen's mother, while her son surprisingly had no broken bones, a CT scan revealed he had torn his spleen, was suffering from a pulmonary hemorrhage, and that he had a concussion.
The teen's injuries led to him being transferred to Cottage Hospital's Pediatrics Unit to be seen by a trauma surgeon shared his mother with Your News Channel.
The teen's mother stressed the importance of drivers maintaining awareness of their surroundings and speed, but that she was grateful for the care strangers showed to her son in his time of need.
