Classmates of a South Jersey high school football player seriously hurt in a hit-and-run crash showed their support for the teenager Monday as police possibly found the vehicle responsible.
A Hyundai struck the 17-year-old as he rode home from his girlfriend's house on a skateboard in the northbound lanes of Hook Road near Lee Avenue in Pennsville, Salem County around 1:50 a.m. Sunday, said Pennsville Police Chief Allen Cummings.
Originally police thought an Elantra struck Kyle Pszenny but on Monday morning they released photos of a gray 199 to 2002 Hyundai Accent hatchback that they now believe struck the boy. Police said the car will likely have front passenger side damage.
Early Monday afternoon, police told NBC10 they believe they had found the car involved along Hook Road.
A witness, who did not want to be identified, told NBC10 he believes the driver knew he or she struck someone.
"It's lit up all over there," the witness said. "As soon as they hit him they were right back on the gas and gone. I think it's terrible."
Medics rushed Pszenny to Christiana Hospital where he was treated in the intensive care unit with serious head injuries, said Cummings.
"Kyle went through a three to four hour surgery this morning for swelling of the brain," Cummings said. "I believe he has a broken neck, some vertebrae in his neck are broken. He has leg injuries."
Pszenny is a football player for Pennsville. Last season he caught 42 passes for the Eagles, according to NJ.com. Students at Pennsville Memorial High School wore blue Monday as they keep the junior in their thoughts.
Sunday afternoon, Pennsville Memorial High School Athletics updated the teen's condition in a statement that thanks everyone for "the outpouring of support and prayers."
Drew Burdsall, a Pennsville football player, spoke to NBC10 about his teammate's toughness.
"He's just a tough kid," Burdsall said. "He's never scared to go in on the hit. That's just how he is. He's a fierce competitor."
Pszenny's mother, Crystal Parks thanked everyone who has supported her son.
"We'd like to thank Pennsville for their support for Kyle," she said. "We want to let you know that he's in critical condition... We thank everybody. And Kyle strong."
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Pennsville Police at 856-678-3089 ext. 526..
