Child Hit By Car In Morris County Still Recovering; Fundraiser Benefits Family

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A Morris County child remains in serious condition after being struck by a car while riding his bike in Mount Olive last week. Now, his family is raising money to help cover mounting hospital bills.

The child, identified only as Lucas by his mother, Sharmaine Bautista, was struck by a car shortly after 6:30 p.m. on May 11 while crossing Wolfe Road from Cassidy Road, according to the Mount Olive Police Department.

Following the crash, Lucas was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he remains in care. According to his mother, he suffered multiple brain injuries, significant blood loss, and a collapsed lung, requiring admission to the pediatric intensive care unit.

"He has been getting the best care anyone could ask for. He is making great progress and moving quite fast in his long road to recovery, but unfortunately, great care always comes at a cost," Bautista wrote on the GoFundMe campaign.

The online fundraising page for Lucas' family has raised more than $13,000 as of Monday morning. More than 150 people have donated so far.

The funds will go directly to the family to help offset medical expenses related to the accident. Bautista wrote that both parents have had to take time off work to stay by their son’s side in the hospital, leaving them with mounting bills that will be difficult to manage on their own.

"We are at a loss and are reaching out for help," she wrote. "Lucas is an amazing son as well as a great friend. He is very active, loves sports, riding bikes, and most of all, being with family."

In a statement on social media, police said the incident is still under investigation and urged the public to remain vigilant about road safety. No charges have been filed as of the latest update.

"These incidents are reminders that these types of critical incidents on our roadways can occur in the blink of an eye, and that the rules of the road for operators of motor vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclist exist for the safety of everyone," police said.