KALISPELL — The family of the six-year-old Whitefish girl who was hit by a vehicle after getting off her school bus on Tuesday posted on social media saying she remains in critical condition.
Doctors have noticed a slight movement on both sides of her body yesterday and she's been conscious for brief periods.
In the post, her family says they hope an MRI will reveal the cause of her seizures. She is also battling what doctors believe is pneumonia.
The six-year-old is heavily sedated and is on a ventilator and feeding tube.
Montana Highway Patrol Captain Chad Dever says the vehicle was going approximately 25 miles per hour when it hit the child. Dever says the driver failed to stop for the bus when it had its flashing lights and stop sign up on highway 93 near mile marker 137.
Authorities tell us the driver of the vehicle has not been charged at this point, but charges may be pending. They have not released the person's name. We will update you if we get any new information about that.
Community members are also working to help the family.
Olney Fire & Ambulance is conducting a "Fill the Boot" fundraiser to help the family. A flier for the fundraiser says that donations will be used to help the family with medical bills and other expenses so that the family can stay by her side as she recovers from the traumatic brain injury she sustained. Olney Fire & Ambulance noted: "Our community always comes together for those going through trying times."
There is a boot at the Whitefish Fire Department to support the fundraiser to help add a convenient drop-off place for donations. They are located at 275 Flathead Avenue. Other boots are placed at the Olney Store and the Stillwater Bar.
You can also send a gift card or check to Olney Fire Department, P.O. Box 7, Olney, Montana, 59927. Make checks payable to Veronica Hubble.
At this point, we do not know of a GoFundMe account or other online donation page; we will post an update if we learn of any.
