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Child and woman struck by vehicle while out for bicycle ride

Posted at 3:54 AM, Aug 04, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-04 18:53:35-04

GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- A mother and her three-year-old daughter from the Jenison area were hurt Thursday evening when they were struck by a vehicle while out for a bike ride.

Chrstina Navitskas' bicycle and burly after a vehicle crashed into the burly. Photo courtesy of Tom Navitskas.

According to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department, Stephanie Wright was stopped on Thomas Avenue waiting to turn onto Baldwin Street when she pulled out and hit the bike burly, or small buggy, carrying the 3-year-old.

Christina Navitskas was riding the bicycle pulling the burly carrying her 3-year-old. Both were injured and transported to the hospital in stable condition.

Christina and her husband Tom Navitskas tell FOX 17 their daughter is tough and recovering from one surgery, headed into another Friday night, but surrounded by family and smiling with some toys she requested. They say their daughter is expected to recover.

Tom and Christina Navitskas' daughter post-surgery Friday, surrounded by family and toys. Photo courtesy of Tom Navitskas.

Before an ambulance arrived Thursday, licensed EMT Dave Rawlings says he stopped to help.

"I just did what I felt was what needed to be done," said Rawlings.

"I’m glad that I was able to help, I wish I could have got there sooner. Just kept reassuring mom and the little one that help was going to be on the way and they’re both doing a really good job. And the little girl, she was really tough, she was hanging in there pretty good and mom was also doing a good job: she was keeping as calm as you can in that kind of situation."

Rawlings says he's relieved to know they are both recovering.

"I'm really glad that she’s okay," he said.

"I hope she makes a full recovery, I know kids are pretty resilient. I’m glad mom’s okay. I’m sure they’ve got a little bit of a tough road ahead of them, but I think they’ll be fine. The little girl and mom seemed pretty tough, so I think they’ll be okay."

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department is investigating the accident. Captain Mark Bennett says this is a reminder for drivers to carefully keep your eyes on the road and make sure to look all ways, including in front of you, before turning. He added bicyclists should make themselves as visible as possible with lights, reflective or bright clothing or using flags on their bicycles or attached burly.

Wright was not hurt during this incident.