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Victim remains in coma

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by Courtney Johnson

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Contrary to previous reports, the victim of a pedestrian hit-and-run last weekend at the intersection of South Park Street and Regent Street is a student at Madison Area Technical College.

According to the victim's cousin, Jill Peerenboom, the victim is an MATC student who has expressed interest in transferring the University of Wisconsin in the future. Additionally, Peerenboom said the victim continues to lie in a coma at a Madison hospital with family by his side.

Previous reports indicated the victim was a UW student, and university officials confirmed otherwise Monday.

"The dean of students office was in touch with Madison police this morning, and we had run the victim's name through our computer database," said John Lucas, spokesperson for UW. "We found conclusively that the person that was a victim of it was not a UW student."

Mike Hanson, public information officer for the Madison Police Department, confirmed the male victim is still in critical condition at a local hospital. The victim was struck by a dark-colored minivan with a tinted rear window at about 2 a.m. Saturday.

The MPD is currently looking for any witnesses to the hit-and-run accident or anyone who has noticed a minivan with new front-end damage.

"Right now, we're relying heavily on witness statements," Hanson said.

According to Lucas, UW will be issuing a list of safety tips for pedestrians and drivers in response to both this accident and February's crash in front of Memorial Union where a UW student was hit by a drunken driver.

"We've been trying to provide more timely safety information to students," Lucas said.

The message — which will be posted to the student newslink, Wisconsin portal and UW news website — encourages students to keep alert when walking around Madison, wear bright clothing and to not cross the street when cars appear to not see you or slow down.

Hanson said it is too early to determine if alcohol played a factor in this hit-and-run.

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Anonymous (March 13, 2007 @ 9:35pm):

On behalf of Luke's extended family we'd like to send our thanks out to a number of people. First, to the person who stopped to render aid, to Luke's friends who stayed by his side, to the quick response of the emergency crew, to the police dept for their investigation, to the caring hospital staff, and to all our friends and others for their thoughts, prayers, and support during this very difficult time.

As our families spend our days and nights focused on Luke, we're trying to maintain positive thoughts while hoping for the best possible outcome. We don't have the energy to waste negative thoughts on this tragic situation. We all realize that accidents happen and also know that people make mistakes. It's how we handle those mistakes that define the people we want to be, or person we actually become.

To the driver of the vehicle who left the scene, we believe you made a mistake, however, you now have a decision to make and that choice will define the person you are to become.

Please continue to keep Luke, his family, and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous (April 1, 2007 @ 7:32pm):

Unfortunately, a miracle was not to be. Luke passed away on March 31, after life-support was removed. His organs were donated so others might receive a miracle for their loved one.

He was surrounded by dozens of family and friends during his last hours. The care he received at UW-Hospital was the best he could have received any where. The staff was very compassionate to everyone who visited.

Thank you to all for your prayers and support during this difficult time.

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