Fair Lawn Native Fractures Neck And Hip In Florida Car Accident

FAIR LAWN, NJ — A borough native fractured her neck and hip after a car hit her in Florida while she was returning to college.

Kristina Dennis was crossing the street in Orlando when they were hit by a car early Wednesday morning, according to a report by the Orlando Sentinel.

Dennis just returned to Florida after visiting New Jersey when she was struck. She is a nursing student at Florida Southern College.

Dennis' cousin, Chris O'Leary said she fractured her neck and hip as a result of the crash and needs surgery.

"Anyone who knows Kristina will agree she is a kind, loving soul with a great sense of humor," O'Leary said. "The news of her injuries have been both shocking and devastating for friends and family."

O'Leary said the accident will be a "huge setback" for Dennis, both physically and financially. O'Leary set up a GoFundMe campaign this week to help his cousin and her family. The goal is to raise $50,000. More than $6,200 was donated as of Thursday morning.

Hinda Sliclen, Dennis' third grade teacher from Fair Lawn, posted a message of encouragement to Dennis on the GoFundMe page.

"Sending love and best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery," Sliclen said.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: Kristina Dennis, a Fair Lawn native. She fractured her neck and hip in a car crash in Florida recently. (Photo courtesy of GoFundMe, a promotional partner of Patch)