A 7-year-old Vashon boy remained in serious condition in Harborview Medical Center’s intensive care unit on Monday after being hit by a pickup truck last week in the Thriftway parking lot, a hospital official said.
Shayen Roybal was injured around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, when he and his mother, Cory Roybal, were leaving the store, according to Yvonne Monique Aviva, Cory Roybal’s sister. The two were in the crosswalk, she said, when the driver in the truck first bumped Roybal, who was not injured, and then hit Shayen.
Reached the day after the incident, Aviva said Shayen suffered internal lacerations and broken bones, including a fractured pelvis, and that it would likely be a few days before the full extent of his fractures was known. While serious, his injuries are not considered life threatening.
“All of it is mendable,” she said.
The family is hopeful Shayen will be able to go home this week, though Aviva said he will have a hard time getting around because of his broken bones, and Roybal will not be able to work while she cares for him.
King County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Cindi West said no citations were given in the incident. A report she provided indicates that a 66-year-old man was driving a pickup north through the parking lot “very slowly” and turned left (west) to head toward Vashon Highway. The driver told deputies he did not see the Roybals because of the rain that night and lighting conditions. After the driver hit Shayen, the report says that a witness yelled for the driver to stop, and he did.
Vashon Island Fire & Rescue responded to the scene and transported the boy to Harborview, where he was admitted in critical condition. Duty captain Jason Everett said they had considered airlifting Shayen, but the weather was poor, making transport by helicopter potentially impossible. A ferry was at the dock, making the trip by ambulance as fast as by air and guaranteed, regardless of weather conditions.
Everett noted that tragedy can strike quickly, and this incident might serve as a reminder to both drivers and pedestrians.
“Drivers, slow down and be mindful that kids are small and hard to see. Parents, make sure your kids are with you in a parking lot, no matter what parking lot and what time of day,” he said. “We have to take care of each other.”
A trust has been established to support Shayen’s recovery. Donations can be made to “Yvonne Aviva for the Shayen Roybal Trust,” c/o Smith & Koch, PO Box O, Vashon, WA 98070.
