UW runner hit by Green Lake talks about recovery

SEATTLE — A 20-year-old University of Washington student was seriously injured when she was hit by a car on Aurora Avenue while running Sept. 16 near Green Lake.

She spoke to KIRO-7 about her recovery on Monday, one week after the accident.  "It's been really hard for me to be sitting in a hospital bed for a week and not knowing how much I'll be able to move in the future. It feels really heavy for me right now," said Bergen Fuglestand from her hospital bed.

Bergen Fuglestad was running on the upper path around Green Lake, above the road, in the 6700 block of Aurora Avenue North around 5 p.m. when she was struck by a car headed northbound.

The car hopped the curb and hit her on the running path.

"I never would have imagined someone would actually drive off the road or that I was in any danger," said Bergen Fuglestad.

Bergen was transported to Harborview Medical Center where she is currently being treated for serious injuries.

After the crash, the driver of the car was evaluated for signs of impairment but detectives found no indication of alcohol or drugs. The investigation is ongoing.

Bergen Fuglestad told KIRO-7 she does not blame the driver. She feels sorry for him and realizes it was an accident. She is grateful for the exceptional care she is receiving at Harborview Medical Center.

A GoFundMe account has been set up by her family to help with medical expenses.

The UW Junior has had three surgeries since she was hit one week ago.

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