The child struck by a car on Osborn Avenue Friday is recovering at Stony Brook University Hospital, where he is listed in good condition.
The 13-year-old seventh-grader was walking with friends from Riverhead Middle School to get a slice of pizza at Carlo’s — something he’s done after school many times before.
The day was beautiful, mid 40s and sunny. Earlier that day, Christopher (whose last name and parents’ names are being withheld at their request to protect their privacy) had texted his father and asked him for some money for the pizza. His dad, who was close by, went to wait in the pizzeria’s parking lot and saw him coming with his school friends.
And then, the unthinkable happened.
His son was struck by a 2011 Toyota Camry operated by a 44-year-old Riverhead woman as he was trying to cross Osborn Avenue, near Pulaski Street.
Christopher’s dad, who saw the accident and heard the impact, ran to the scene, fearing the worst. As he got near, he recognized his son’s clothes and shoes and it became apparent, really quickly, that his son had been critically injured.
“It was in the space of the blink of an eye,” Christopher’s dad said, his voice breaking. “I had just seen the whole group of kids walking, Chris among them, and then it happened.”
Christopher was rushed to Peconic Bay Medical Center by ambulance and from there he was flown to Stony Brook University for treatment.
Christopher suffered injuries to his head and to his left side, including arm, leg and foot. During the last few days, Christopher has undergone several surgeries to treat multiple injuries, his parents said, including putting several pins on his arm.
Emotionally distraught, the whole family is still coping with the aftermath of the accident.
“It is by the grace of God that my son is okay and that I’m here to be with him, when I saw him lying on the side of the road that day I thought I was going to have a heart attack,” his dad said.
Christopher is described by his parents as a very intelligent boy who is loved by all.
“Chris is such a good boy, responsible and smart, he knows what to do and I always can trust he will do the right thing,” his mom said.
Like most boys his age, Christopher loves video-games, watching sports and hanging out with his friends.
His parents say he is very responsible and caring in general, but especially with with his school work, and always helps around the house. He especially loves to take care of his little sister and loves to see her smile, cooking her special treats—like cutting a hole in a slice of bread and cooking it with an egg inside—or baking her cookies he learned how to make at school.
His favorite subject is math, his mom said, and explained how teachers always say to her how good a student her son is. His mom said one teacher told Christopher recently that due to his high grades he would probably be moved to an honor’s class, something his mom is especially proud of.
“Chris takes special pride in the letters he receives from school congratulating him on his achievements, his whole room is full of them,” she said.
Christopher also loves French, a subject he is taking at school and is very good at, and his father said his friends affectionately call him “the three-tongue” expert. Technology class is also a favorite subject, where he works doing wood projects, something he really enjoys, his parents said.
“I know my son has a bright future ahead of him, he is so creative, good and smart, he only deserves the best,” his mom said.
Christopher has already started eating and was able to walk a few steps assisted, his father said today.
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