13 Year Old Hit By Car Saves Younger Brother Irvine
Steven Mangham, the survivor from being hit by a car at Palomar College, tells his story about the incident.
“I was given medicine, so it doesn’t hurt that much,” Steven Mangham assured.
The 13-year-old boy, beaten and battered, spoke to news coverage Fox 5 despite his pain.
He claims him and his younger brother, Donovan, were on their way to San Marcos Middle School Thursday morning. They had commonly used the crosswalk located at Comet Circle East and Mission Road. As they stepped across, Steven immediately stopped.
“That’s when a blue or black car drove by,” claimed Steven. “So I pushed Donovan back and then a white one came and I tried to jump but couldn’t. I flipped and landed on my face after I got hit.”
Steven was airlifted to Rady Children’s Hospital and his brother, 12-year-old Donovan, was driven to Palomar Medical Center.
“Once the car ran the light, he pushed his brother away,” the boys’ mother, Tiffany Hayne, explained. “It was the second car that hit them.”
It was later discovered it was two that ran the red light on Mission Road instead of one.
She said the accident served as an awful reminder why to slow down and follow the rules of the road.
The incident remains under investigation, as of now it is unclear whether the 17-year-old driver was speeding. He claims he was blinded by the sun. Drugs or alcohol have been ruled out as being factors.
Communications Officer Sarah Macdonald released a statement Friday, “The accident is truly unfortunate, and our thoughts are with all involved. It is a sharp reminder of the importance of being extra cautious when driving in and around school and crossing zones. The city cannot comment on the incident as the investigation is still ongoing.”
The boy’s mother says Steven has “breaks” in his face, and there are prominent fragments in his check. It appears to be only damage to the bone not necessarily to the eye.
Thanks to Steven, his little brother Donovan only has an ankle sprain.
Steven never imagined being hit by a car would have him in so much pain, but he said being airlifted was “super cool.”
This accident is a sharp reminder of the importance of following the rules of the road and always staying cautious, especially near school zones and crosswalks. If you or a loved one have been in an Irvine accident, contact personal injury lawyer from Guldjian Law APC for a free first-time inquiry about your accident, learn how experienced and professional attorneys can help you determine whether you are entitled to legal compensation.