WELLINGTON, Fla. — A 14-year-old girl is in recovery after being struck by a dirtbike while riding an electric skateboard on Pinion Drive earlier this month.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Brooklyn Walker was hit from behind by a dirtbike ridden by another 14-year-old. The incident, which occurred nearly two weeks ago, left Brooklyn in a coma for five days.
She sustained serious injuries including damage to her spleen and ribs, a crushed knee, and possible brain damage. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Brooklyn's father, Ryan Walker, reported that the neighborhood lacks streetlights and the dirtbike did not have a working light at the time of the incident. “I knew something had happened to my daughter when I saw a post about a skateboard,” he said.
Upon arriving at St. Mary's Medical Center, Ryan described his emotional reaction seeing Brooklyn being treated. “I dropped right to my knees… this is literally the worst thing I have ever dealt with in my entire life,” he said.
Now experiencing memory loss, Brooklyn is relearning essential tasks, including speaking and walking. The financial burden on the family is significant, as Ryan is the sole provider after the loss of his wife last year.
Brooklyn did not qualify for rehabilitation at the hospital, prompting her father to seek alternative therapy options. “I would love to see her ride again,” Ryan said, expressing hope for Brooklyn's recovery.
The family has initiated a GoFundMe to assist with medical expenses.
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