WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A 7-year-old boy is recovering at home after being struck by a vehicle on his way to school earlier this year.
Michael was hit by a driver making a right turn on 3rd Street on September 15. The driver, who was reportedly at a stop sign, did not see Michael while he was crossing.
His mother, Bensay Joseph, confirmed that Michael underwent liver surgery and is recovering from a head injury. He is currently in speech, physical, and behavioral therapy. “The hardest part about all of this is watching Michael in pain every day,” Joseph said.
Michael is gradually learning to eat again and reconnecting with his siblings. “He was very independent. He showered, brushed his teeth,” Joseph added.
Joseph expressed her concerns throughout Michael's hospitalization, stating, “I worried every day that he wasn't going to make it.”
Authorities from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) emphasized the importance of driver attention to prevent similar incidents. “If you take your attention off of where it needs to be… the results can be tragic,” UDOT spokesperson John Gleason said.
West Valley Police reported that charges of improper lookout have been reviewed against the driver, but it remains unclear if prosecutors will file that charge.
Despite the challenges ahead, Joseph expressed gratitude for having her family together again, saying, “I feel complete now that my children are home.”
Support for Michael's recovery is being organized through a GoFundMe.