UK student severely injured after being hit by car while riding his scooter to classes
A University of Kentucky student who was riding a scooter when he was hit by a vehicle last week reportedly “sustained significant, life-altering injuries” and is now recovering in Michigan, according to a family friend who’s hoping to raise money to support the student.
The collision occurred at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Avenue of Champions when the driver of a car pulling out of a parking spot on Lexington Avenue did not see the student on the scooter, UK spokesman Jay Blanton said.
The student sustained serious, but not life-threatening injuries, he said.
The UK Police Department and Lexington Fire Department responded. A fire department spokesman said they were called to the scene just after 3 p.m. on Jan. 10. UK said no charges were being pursued in the incident.
Drew Van de Putte was riding his scooter to class when the crash happened, according to a GoFundMe account set up to support Van de Putte and his family.
His father, Michael Van de Putte, said in a message Thursday that Drew, 19, “has four broken vertebrae, a concussion, whiplash, a fracture along his skull, and a large gash on his forehead. He also has trouble sleeping and is in near constant pain.
“He is back in Michigan right now, and we are taking him to various specialists to help his recovery. UK was very helpful and he will hopefully return to campus next fall,” Michael Van de Putte wrote.
The GoFundMe page said he was initially admitted to a trauma unit in Lexington.
The statement attributed to his mother, Laura Van de Putte, on the GoFundMe page, said the family is “... still overwhelmed with all your love, support, encouragement, and prayers. Please keep them coming - the hard part starts now.”
Drew Van de Putte has been working on a business degree at UK, his father said.
He said he chose UK because “a friend of his through high school swim had family that went to UK and Drew decided it would be ideal. It has the business school he wants to attend and he’s away from home for the full college experience.”
“Kentucky is far enough away from home where we can’t just show up and say ‘surprise.’ However, if something happens (like this incident) we’re close enough where we can jump in the car on a moment’s notice and not have to book a flight or drive 12-18 hours,” Michael Van de Putte wrote.
The GoFundMe account was set up by family friend Anna Natushko, who wrote that the Van de Putte family “are the most caring, giving individuals.”
“The first time I met Drew, almost two years ago, he didn’t know who I was, but he gave me the greatest hug! They volunteer in the community,” Van de Putte said. “They are quick to support those in need. Even when they are facing adversity of some sort, they always show up. Mr. Rogers said, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ The family has lived that.
“Now is our time to be the helpers and return the favor to them.”
This story was originally published January 17, 2024 at 9:20 AM.
