25-year-old victim of Memorial Drive hit-run in medically-induced coma
While the family of Emerson Wikeruk waits to learn the extent of his injuries following a hit-andrun accident on Sunday that's left him in a medically-induced coma, Calgary police are seeking witnesses to assist the investigation.
Wikeruk was struck by the driver of a vehicle while walking on eastbound Memorial Drive near the exit for Saint George's Drive/12 Street N.E. The driver did not stop after hitting him and continued driving east, according to Calgary police.
The 25-year-old was transported to Foothills Medical Centre in life-threatening condition, and remains in hospital in a medically-induced coma.
“He's still on a respirator. He has a broken foot, broken neck and several other internal injuries,” Kayla Macphee, Wikeruk's older sister, said Wednesday.
“He's a really strong kid. They're waiting to do his surgery either Wednesday or Thursday but we're still not sure what that entails. We know it'll be serious because his injuries are severe.”
Their mother, Heather Macphee, jumped on a plane to Calgary from her home in Quebec as soon as possible after the family learned about the hit and run. She's been visiting Wikeruk alongside his grandmother as often as the hospital has allowed under current visitation protocols.
Wikeruk is very close with his family and is the middle child among four sisters. The nurses at Foothills Medical Centre have done an incredible job at keeping them informed, Kayla said.
Her brother, who is trained as a volunteer firefighter and welder, has been working for a roofing company and loves to skateboard, Kayla said.
The extent of his injuries is still unknown, Kayla explained, so their family still doesn't know how his future will be impacted by this, but they know it is life-altering.
The donations to a Gofundme page that Kayla started for her brother will be used to offset the costs of family travelling from Montreal to be with Wikeruk and to support him through his extensive recovery. The fundraiser, called “Emerson rehabilitation fund,” has collected more than $6,000 in its first day online.
“I am at a loss for words of the kindness and generosity of all the people who have reached out to us, and are supporting us through prayer or a donation or community,” said Kayla.
Calgary police said Wednesday they are seeking the driver of a white or silver four-door sedan who is believed to have critical information about the hit and run.
As well, investigators are encouraging the drivers of several other vehicles that passed the scene immediately after the collision to come forward with information.
Investigators have located the suspect vehicle — a grey 2016 Chrysler 300 — and the driver believed to be involved in the hitand-run. However, they are still asking anyone who might have seen the Chrysler in the area at the time to contact police.
Anyone with information can call the police non-emergency number at 403-266-1234, or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or calgarycrimestoppers.org.