TACOMA, Wash. — A South Sound family is urging drivers to pay more attention after a man was hit while in a crosswalk outside Tacoma Mall.
Matthew James Hadway was crossing South 48th Street near the Best Buy to the mall on Sunday afternoon when he was hit by a car.
The driver that hit him stayed on scene and was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, and for not having a valid license or insurance. The investigation is ongoing to see if charges will be filed.
Elijah Hadway, Matthew’s brother, said his leg is “completely immobilized until his hip is fixed.” Elijah said Matthew’s eye is “screwed up every which way” too, and his forehead was “sewn together.”
Elijah visited him at Harborview Medical Center.
“At least I’m here,” he said. “And if he crashes tonight, he’s not going to crash alone.”
Elijah said Matthew is a dental assistant who supports much of his family.
“He’s their main sole provider,” Elijah said. “This isn’t fair to him. He’s done nothing to nobody.”
Matthew’s best friend, who was with him at the time of the crash, has started a GoFundMe to support the family while Matthew recovers.
Elijah is pushing for drivers to pay better attention, and put cell phones down while driving. Police have not said if that was a factor in this case.
“I forgive you,” Elijah said to the driver, “But only God can judge you. I can’t judge you.”
He hopes this is a wakeup call to other drivers on the road.
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