LAKE FOREST, CA — Life has been turned upside down for a local family after a young father was critically injured in a hit-and-run crash in Lake Forest.
Now they need help as he fights for his life.
Javier Mejia, 26, was walking home from work after a night shift when he was hit by a car at around 6 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 31 on Lake Forest Boulevard and Rockfield.
According to Javier's sister, Krystal Mercedes, the crash caused Javier multiple severe injuries.
RELATED: Car Hits Pedestrian In Lake Forest, Triggering Investigation: Police
His injuries include broken bones in both legs, broken pelvic bones, fractured ribs, a collapsed lung and swelling of the brain.
"He is currently in the hospital receiving intensive medical care and fighting for his life," Aunt Elena Jaimes wrote on the family's GoFundMe page. "Hearing doctors tell us to prepare for the worst has been devastating, but we are doing our best to remain hopeful and positive."
Mejia was placed in a medically induced coma after doctors told the family that doing so would give his body the best opportunity to heal.
"This has been especially heartbreaking for his mother, sisters, and his young son," Jaimes said. "Seeing our loved one in this condition is something no family should ever have to experience."
Javier's sister, Krystal Mercedes, told Patch that her little brother is the kind of person who demonstrates love through his actions.
"Whenever I was exhausted or overwhelmed, he would step in without hesitation — [taking my daughters] to the park, making them laugh, and loving them like they were his own," she told Patch.
"As his older sister, I've always seen the caring, loving person he is. He has an unconditional love for his son, and a passion for making people feel good, whether it was through his work cutting hair or simply being there for the people he loves."
Mercedes told Patch one of the most difficult things she has encountered in dealing with this situation is having to witness his pain.
"To me, he isn't just my little brother. He is a piece of my heart. Seeing him go through something so painful has been incredibly hard because I wish I could take his pain away."
A GoFundMe for the Mejia family was posted shortly after the crash, and has raised around $4,000 out of a $10,000 goal.
Donations to the Mejia family will go toward medical bills and incurring expenses from the crash, family members said.
To help support the Mejia family, click here.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Lake Forest Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.