UPDATE Aug. 1:
More than a week since a local girl was hit crossing the road, she is still in critical condition at BC Children's Hospital.
"Our dear Lynza remains on life support at children's hospital after being hit in a marked crosswalk in Vernon over a week ago," mom Lynella Henke said. "Friends please slow down quit speeding...watch crosswalks. One mistake changes lives forever. Our hearts are broken, hours slip to days and the nightmare doesn't end."
The mother, and owner of Vernon Teach and Learn, where Lynza was a faithful worker in the Lollipop Lane department, also shared some good news.
"A couple of weeks ago Lynza was contacted by Hallmark to make all the fudge for the new Christmas movie coming out for 2024 Christmas. I will never forget her excitement when she got the call!"
Lynza was airlifted to BC Children's Hospital July 20 after being hit by a truck in the crosswalk at 30th Avenue and 32nd Street.
The community has been rallying around the family since the incident, donating nearly $40,000 to an online GiveSendGo account at https://www.givesendgo.com/supportingthehenkefamily.
Lynella is also suffering from serious and widespread cancer. The mother of three is undergoing cancer treatments in Vancouver.
"Although the family has not requested financial assistance, the travel costs and the time away from the business will undoubtedly create a burden, which we as a community, blessedly have the power to alleviate for them," said Katie Anne Gordon, who started the fundraiser.
ORIGINAL July 23:
A young girl remains in critical condition after being struck in a downtown crosswalk Saturday.
Lynza Henke was airlifted to BC Children's Hospital July 20 after the incident, which Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are investigating.
"Our dear Lynza was making fudge and needed raisins," said Lynella Henke, owner of Vernon Teach and Learn. "She headed to Freshco to get her raisins. She crossed the highway in a marked crosswalk very clearly with a walk signal as others were in the crosswalk also. A F150 hit our daughter.
"Lynza is on life support and we are with her."
Police are asking the public for help in their investigation, looking for dash cam footage or witnesses who have not already spoken to police.
The incident took place around 12:20 p.m. at Highway 97 (32nd Street) and 30th Avenue.
The driver remained on the scene and is cooperating with police. The intersection was closed to traffic for several hours while officers conducted their investigation.
Anyone with information can call 250-545-7171, and quote file number 2024-12112.
To donate to the Henke family, visit https://givesendgo.com/supportingthehenkefamilyutm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=supportingthehenkefamily.
