UPDATE: Child critically injured in hit-and-run
By
WINK News
Story Created:
Oct 7, 2008 at 1:12 PM EST
Story Updated:
Oct 9, 2008 at 6:14 PM EST
UPDATE: 10/09/2008 6:00 PM
The toddler is recovering after a hit and run crash. He is still in a Tampa hospital with a broken leg, shattered cheek and bruised liver.
UPDATE: 10/08/2008 7:00 PM
Fund for the parents of the boy hit by the car
At any Bank of America branch in Lee, Charlotte, Collier (Viscaya/Del Prado)
Gage Root medical fund
Kelsey Hoffert Trustee of Fund
(239) 823-8920
UPDATE: 10/08/2008 1:25 PM
Cape Coral police release name of child involved in hit-and-run
CAPE CORAL, Fla. - Cape Coral Police have identified the child injured in the hit-and-run accident Tuesday afternoon. Gage Root, who is about 3 years old, was struck by a vehicle just south of Del Prado Boulevard and Kismet Parkway. The boy currently is at Tampa General Hospital in very critical condition. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene.
Police located the vehicle in North Fort Myers and have impounded the car. The owner of the vehicle, Kenneth W. Upmann (DOB: 07/30/1966) is a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.
UPDATE: 10/07/2008 3:53 PM
NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Lee County Sheriffs Office says they now have a "person of interest" in custody.
10/07/2008 2:12 PM
CAPE CORAL, Fla. - A 3-year-old child has been critically injured in a hit-and-run accident in Cape Coral.
Police are looking for the vehicle involved in the accident at Del Prado Boulevard and Kismet Parkway.
The child was airlifted by helicopter in critical condition. Police are now looking for a vehicle and driver matching the following description:
Vehicle:
Color: Brown or maroon
Model: New Yorker style from late 1980s
Description: 4-door, Vinyl top, tinted windows
Other features: Missing front driver side hubcap
Driver:
Older Male
White beard
Heavy Set
Wire-rimmed glasses
Other information: Driver may be a frequent visitor to the area, perhaps involved in construction activity.
Police are asking citizens report any info to the police at 574-3223 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.
Wednesday, Nov 19 at 11:45 AM Danielle wrote ...
also for anyone who would like to know the man was found but has not yet been prosticuted because they need to gather hard evidence that he was the one driving, because if they were to arrest him now he could get out on bail! but he has no license and his wife is not capable of driving so he shouldn't of been behind the wheel in the first place exspecially with drugs and acohol in his system he needs to go to PRISION FOR LIFE!!!!
Wednesday, Nov 19 at 11:35 AM Danielle wrote ...
Gage is out of the hospital he got out on sunday! he has a broken shin, pelvic bone, and a broken femur, his jaw is sevearily bruised hes not able to talk yet so lets all still pray for him and his family!!PLEASE this family is devistated and so am i. I have known this family for 10 years they are incredible people! And thanks again shaun for being there for them when no one else could!!!!
Monday, Nov 17 at 2:56 PM danielle Hart wrote ...
I've know this little boys aunt for a long time she is an incredible friend and i can't believe that some one could go on living that they ruined alittle boy and his family.i give hats off to you shaun she told me how you were such a great help thank you!!!
Sunday, Nov 2 at 4:57 PM Sarah wrote ...
I AM GAGE'S COUSIN I LIVE IN MICHIGAN! I I HOPE THAT YOU ARE GOING TO BE OKAY! I PRAY FOR YOU! I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW ANY PERSON COULD RUN OVER A LITTLE BOY AND NOT EVEN STOP SLOW DOWN NOTHING. THANK GOD THAT SHAWN HAS A GOOD ENOUGH HEART TO SAVE A HELPLESS LITTLE BOY YOU ARE A WONDERFUL MAN THANK YOU
Friday, Oct 17 at 8:22 PM CHI495 wrote ...
Any updates on an arrest in this case I know they found the car but what about the person of interest????
Sunday, Oct 12 at 11:59 AM vickie root wrote ...
this little boy is my nephew. I live in Michigan my prayers are with him and his mother(my sister) every day. Our family has been effected in a hard way, please keep Gage in your prayers all we can do is hope for the best and pray to god that he lets us keep him. Thank you Shawn, we thank you every day.
Friday, Oct 10 at 6:10 PM MARISSA wrote ...
I know Shawn from a long time ago...and he has not changed! He is a wonderful person and I am so proud of him for saving this little boys life! wow!
Friday, Oct 10 at 3:31 PM JRoss wrote ...
Thank God there are people in the world that are just the reverse of the awful person that ran that little boy over in the form of a hero, namely Shawn. How proud your family must be of you Shawn.
Friday, Oct 10 at 10:42 AM Kathy Root wrote ...
I,m Gage's step-grandmother. Talked his mom this morning. He is coming out of coma but he has yet to wake up, he responds to touch and people talking to him. His femur was broke in half, tibia broke,he might to be in body cast. He also had mutliple head injuries, with brain swelling. But Gage is holding his own.
Friday, Oct 10 at 4:59 AM Liz wrote ...
So glad to hear Gage is out of the coma. Will pray for his contuing progress. Shawn you are indeed a HERO!
Friday, Oct 10 at 1:19 AM Chris wrote ...
My prayers are with the family. It is nice to know that there are still some kind people. Bless you Shawn.
Thursday, Oct 9 at 11:50 PM Debbie wrote ...
This was a tragic accident. I CANNOT understand how anyone could run down a 3yr. old and not stop. It is beyond reason. Thank God the young man from the fire acadamy was there. Good job Sir.
Thursday, Oct 9 at 11:02 PM Len wrote ...
Bravo Shawn! You are the little boys guardian angel!
Thursday, Oct 9 at 8:09 PM BoB wrote ...
GooD JoB ShAwN
Thursday, Oct 9 at 5:35 PM Kelseyy wrote ...
We have set up a trust fund under the name "THE GAGE ROOT MEDICAL FUND." I know times are really hard for everyone right now but if you could please donate anything 5 dollars .50 cents anything will help. And not to feel like i need to defend the aunt but they were walkin on the shoulder of the road and Gage was buckled in a pull along wagon.
Thursday, Oct 9 at 12:34 PM jessica wrote ...
My prayers for Gage and his family. Nice to know the helping mans name. Thanks Shawn.
Thursday, Oct 9 at 10:00 AM CHI495 wrote ...
The person who gave CPR is Shawn he is in the fire academy with me at SCTI and a close friend. we should all strive to do the right thing and take from his example. Everyone I know is so proud of him, But our main concern and I know Shawn's main concern is Gage's well being.
Thursday, Oct 9 at 7:25 AM Myrtle Hollingsworth wrote ...
I want you to know that I hope and pray that the little child will be able to recover from this bad accident. I really praise the man that gave the little boy cpr.
Thursday, Oct 9 at 6:50 AM Anonymous wrote ...
Exactly why were they on this road! If they had to walk grab the child hand in hand until you get where you have to be!
Thursday, Oct 9 at 6:35 AM Kevin wrote ...
Shawn you gave Gage a chance to live. Hats off to you Bro!
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 11:28 PM mary wrote ...
I'd like to know more about this young man from the FireAcademy that gave this boy a chance to live. So heroic but still no name! Does anyone know his name?
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 10:50 PM maggie wrote ...
The man that gave cpr to the 3 yr.old and never gave up on him is named Shawn.We have a 3 yr.old as well,he is named Shawn Isaac.In my sons and my eyes he is a hero.We pray the boy will pull through it and be able to live the life he deserves.For the man who did this,it was terrible enough that he hit the young boy but to cowardly flee the accident is just inhumane.I hope they find him and justice is served.Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family.
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 8:05 PM Mary Ann wrote ...
This is ready sad. I pray to God that the little child can recover n come home soon. This teaches us drivers to be more contious when driving and watch the surroundings. Take extra time.
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 7:32 PM ann wrote ...
This was a preventable tragedy. If people would pay more attention when driving accidents like this would not happen. Stay off you cell phone. Do not put on your makeup or shave. Do not read your newspaper or directions because you are lost. Leave a little earlier. Ask yourself this question WHERE DO YOU HAVE TO BE IN SUCH A HURRY THAT IS WORTH ANYONE'S LIFE>>> Shame on the driver for leaving maybe he has never had to be accountable for his actions.
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 3:32 PM tim wrote ...
the guy that gave the child cpr is a good samaritan. He deserves a medal. God Bless!
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 11:28 AM Suzanne wrote ...
The man who gave the child CPR at the seen in video is a hero!!!!!
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 10:42 AM Bob wrote ...
i think the person that did this need to be in prison for life,
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 8:15 AM V wrote ...
Here you go Brenda, an answer to your question. According to some people at the Publix at that intersection a mother was pulling her child in the wagon across the street and the child got out of the wagon and started to walk when struck by the vehicle. I'm betting the mother may have been trying to save money by walking instead of driving. Too bad people are in such a hurry and have so much road rage that they can't try to understand some people are hard hit by the economy and have to walk.
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 7:45 AM A caring mom wrote ...
I applaud the young man from the fire accademy for his heroic efforts to save the childs life.Thanks to all our firefighters and emts for all they do.
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 7:18 AM bonita wrote ...
Agree, 3 years old do not have nothing to do at that intersection
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 6:17 AM trendseeker wrote ...
Why are the victims always defending why or what they were doing? Fact is a small child is hurt. An adult driver is at fault. Would it lessen the adults responsibility if it was 3 a.m.? Of course not. The driver made a decision to leave the scene of an accident and needs to be punished. The driver may not have been in the wrong, but deciding to flee....well, we all know how legally and morally wrong that is. Victim blamers have there own personal issues to professionally work out.
Tuesday, Oct 7 at 7:04 PM Brenda wrote ...
WHAT was a 3 yr old child doing at Del Prado Boulevard and Kismet Parkway. I hope he had an adult with him.
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