PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Pinellas County Sheriff Deputies assigned to Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a vehicle vs pedestrian crash in Treasure Island involving a juvenile pedestrian.
According to investigators, the crash happened around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, near the intersection of Gulf Boulevard and 120th Avenue.
Depuites say 31-year-old Jeffrey Hardman was traveling northbound on Gulf Boulevard in the right-hand lane. 13-year-old Grace Fitzpatrick and a friend were on the west side of the road and were attempting to cross.
A northbound vehicle stopped in the left-hand lane to allow the girls to cross while Hardman was driving northbound in the right-hand lane.
Deputies say Fitzpatrick and her friend entered the roadway running diagonally from west to east and were not using a designated crosswalk. Fitzpatrick was struck while in the right lane and sustained serious injuries. She was transported to a local hospital where she remains in serious condition while her friend was not injured.
Deputies say Fitzpatrick is visiting from Ohio and the two were headed to a nearby gas station to buy a phone charger.
Investigators say Hardman remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation. Speed does not appear to be a factor in this case.
The investigation continues and we will update this story when more details are released.
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Any update on Grace?
Grace is still in critical condition and is currently undergoing surgery to repair her carotid artery. The family welcomes all prayers and positive thoughts for Grace.
UPDATE ON Grace Fitzpatrick, I just spoke with her Nana Sherry Fitzpatrick Bealer . She is still in critical condition and not out of danger zone. But we had a good night. Her brain levels are stable. She is showing signs of trying to breathe on her own. She is still on ventilator. She also is back to showing movement on left side. The strokes have caused significant damage to left side of brain. So no movement on right side. They did start feeding tube and she is tolerating that. God is good!! Keep praying for healing for Grace!!