How could they just drive off? Family of Sandwell teenager release shocking photo in call for hit-and-run witnesses
This shocking picture of a Sandwell teenager left for dead in a suspected hit-and-run has been released by his family as they appeal for more witnesses to come forward.
Declan Osborne was knocked off his moped and
. As he emerged from a critical condition, 16-year-old Declan's older sister Nicole spoke of the family's struggle since the incident.
His helmet fell off after the impact of the smash and Declan sustained injuries which surgeons are unable to operate on. He faces a huge recovery effort, but his family have been warned he might not ever get back to how he was.
Speaking to the Express & Star 26-year-old Nicole said: "Declan sustained a lot of blows to the head and had a major bleed on the brain. When the brain surgeon came to see us he said what happened was the worst thing as they can't operate on the brain.
"Dec's life is in the hands of the gods really as there's nothing the brain surgeons can do. He might not be able to work again or drive a car again.
"But I am just thankful that he's still here, as it could have been fatal."
Albion fan Declan, who attends Ormiston Forge Academy in Cradley Heath, suffered a broken collarbone, cheekbone, ankle and multiple facial fractures in the collision.
The driver of the Honda Civic allegedly fled the scene near Mackmillan Road after the incident on January 30. Declan lives in nearby Central Avenue.
Nicole has urged any members of the public to come forward with information. They have started a fundraising page to donate cash to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham who treated Declan.
She said: "The support from the community has been amazing. I bought some bands online for brain injury awareness to encourage Dec to keep fighting and sold 200 in one day. I've had to order another 400 now." Nicole added: "Dec was in intensive care for two weeks and only came off the critical list last week. I still can't believe someone would leave him like that lying in the road. He was only coming home for £3 to go and buy a pizza – it would have only taken him 30 seconds on his bike.
"He keeps asking for his bike and he can't remember his sister Laura sometimes."
A 24-year-old man was arrested in connection with the offence and later released on police bail while investigations continue. Anyone with information should call police on 101 and ask for PC Byrne at the Collision Investigation Unit.
