NJ Search For Hit-And-Run Driver As Victim, 15, Clings To Life

A New Jersey teen is clinging to life Friday after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding his skateboard, according to authorities and family members. Police are searching for the hit-and-run driver.

Cristian Valdez, 15, from Englewood remains in the hospital in a medically induced coma after he was struck on Monday in his hometown, according to authorities and friends.

Valdez’s family is by his side at the hospital, and friends started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Cristian's recovery. More than half of the page's $10,000 was raised by Friday morning.

"Cristian Valdez was struck by a car while riding his skateboard in Englewood and was left, while the car drove off," according to the GoFundMe page. "He is currently in a medically induced coma, and we are hoping he gets better soon.

"Prayers are needed at this time and we would gratefully appreciate a donation to the fund to help our friend through a speedy recovery."

Valdez, a high school freshman, was found on the side along the intersection of Knickerbocker Road and Bilmar Place with his skateboard by his side, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

Englewood police officers received a call at 10:50 p.m. of the boy lying in the road with serious injuries. He was treated at the scene and taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition, said acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo.

Evidence at the scene indicates that the vehicle is an early model Audi, color unknown: likely a 2000-2002 Audi A4, 2000-2004 Audi A6, or 2001-2005 Audi Allroad.

The vehicle will have obvious front-end damage, including a broken grille, and possible damage to the bumper, hood, and windshield. The striking vehicle fled the scene traveling northbound on Knickerbocker Road towards Tenafly.

With reporting by Dan Hubbard

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe, a promotional partner of Patch