Friends Pray for Injured Journalist
Brian Hickey remains in critical condition after a hit and run.
By TED GREENBERG
Updated 6:10 PM EST, Mon, Dec 1, 2008
Brian Hickey is the kind of reporter who’s not afraid to dig beneath the surface of a story, according to Scott Stetzer. Now, Stetzer’s former colleague has become the story.
Monday evening, the freelance journalist remained in a medically induced coma at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J.
Late Friday night, a hit and run driver plowed into Hickey at the intersection of North Atlantic and West Linden Avenues in Collingswood, according to police. At the time, Hickey was walking to catch the Patco high-speed line home to Philadelphia.
The freelance journalist for Philadelphia Weekly and The Metro was thrown 10 to 15 feet and left for dead. Investigators said Monday they had no witnesses or clues.
“I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it,” said Stetzer, a former staff photographer for The Press Of Atlantic City, who worked with Hickey at the paper from 1996 to 2000.
“I just hope he’s able to pull through the physical challenges that he faces now,” Stetzer said. “Brian was always very tough -- he is tough.”
Loved ones have been keeping vigil at Cooper. They said Hickey’s brain is swollen and his spine fractured.
Hickey remained in critical condition Monday evening, according to a hospital spokeswoman.
He covered Atlantic City, including the resort’s police and fire departments, during his time at The Press.
“You knew with Brian that if something was off the record, you didn’t see it in print,” said retired Atlantic City Police Lieutenant Michael Tullio during an interview with NBC 10 News Monday.
When Tullio became the department’s public information officer, Hickey was the first beat reporter from The Press with whom he worked.
“This is devastating. I’m going to pray for him. I know he’s in the battle of his life,” Tullio said.
Investigators believe the hit and run vehicle may have damage to its front or side. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Collingswood Police on their anonymous tip line: 856-854-2401, ext. 101.
First Published: Dec 1, 2008 5:57 PM EST
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