Father and 11-month-old boy in hospital after being struck by vehicle in Sherwood Park
Posted August 14, 2024 10:55 am.
Last Updated August 14, 2024 2:30 pm.
Police say two people were hospitalized with serious injuries – a 36-year-old man and an 11-month-old child – after they were hit by a vehicle while walking on the sidewalk in Sherwood Park on Tuesday.
Strathcona County RCMP say the man and child were walking along Georgian Way when they were hit. The male driver of the vehicle, which came to a stop on a residential lawn, was not injured.
The victims have been identified as Ryan Brodziak and his son Ozzy in an online fundraiser.
“Ryan has suffered a significant spinal cord injury, resulting in multiple fractures to his spine,” the organizer of the GoFundMe page wrote. “As of now, he remains paralyzed and is awaiting emergency surgery. Ozzy sustained a skull fracture and a fractured left arm and is currently under close observation in the Stollery.
“Ryan’s surgery will involve removing bone from his back to relieve swelling and placing metal rods and screws in an attempt to stabilize his spine. It is uncertain if Ryan will regain mobility. Meanwhile, Ozzy continues to be monitored at the Stollery and is in stable condition.”
The family’s dog Gouda was also injured and taken to a vet. “We are grateful to share that Gouda has been released from the emergency vet and is now in the care of family.”
The fundraiser described the incident as “an out-of-control vehicle (that) sped onto the sidewalk, striking Ryan, Ozzy, and Gouda simultaneously.”
RCMP do not believe speed or alcohol were factors in the collision; they are still investigating.
The GoFundMe calls Brodziak “a pillar of the Edmonton community” and a “loving husband, a new dad, and one of the kindest souls you could ever meet.”
The GoFundMe page was started Wednesday morning and raised nearly $80,000 from more than 600 donations in the first five hours.
Editor’s note: RCMP previously incorrectly indicated the collision happened Aug. 8, 2024.
