On the evening of April 8, 13-year-old Brayden was walking with two friends along the shoulder of NE 119th Street in Brush Prairie when a vehicle hit him, leaving the eighth-grader with serious injuries and a long recovery ahead. Deputies responded to the scene and Brayden was rushed to Randall Children's Hospital in north Portland for evaluation and treatment. His family says he suffered a torn knee, a broken nose and internal bleeding, and that he is expected to spend weeks healing. They have set up a fundraiser to help cover mounting medical bills and lost wages while they stay by his side.
What happened
According to Clark County deputies, they were called to the 11900 block of NE 119th Street just before 8:30 p.m. for reports that a teen walking with friends had been struck by a vehicle. Investigators say the driver left the scene, then called 911 about 15 minutes later from a WinCo parking lot a few blocks away, as reported by KOIN.
Injuries and family update
Brayden's mother, Crystal Wallace, a school counselor with Battle Ground Public Schools, says her son suffered significant injuries and initially remained at Randall Children's Hospital for follow-up care. The family says he was released from the hospital on Friday but will need ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. They describe the emotional and financial strain as intense, as they juggle work, medical appointments and the stress of helping Brayden recover.
Investigation details
Deputies reported that field sobriety and breath tests showed no signs of impairment for the driver. The Clark County Sheriff's Office has referred possible charges of hit-and-run with injury to the Clark County Prosecutor's Office, according to KOIN. Officials say the case remains under active investigation as they sort through the circumstances of the crash.
Family pushes for safer streets
In the wake of the collision, Brayden's family is pressing county leaders to install sidewalks and better lighting along NE 119th Street. They argue that the narrow shoulder where Brayden and his friends were walking is unsafe for anyone on foot, especially after dark. Neighbors have echoed those concerns, describing the stretch as busy and poorly equipped for pedestrians.
Fundraiser and recovery
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses and lost wages while Brayden recovers. They say community donations and offers of support have been a lifeline so far, but they remain worried about the cost of long-term rehabilitation and therapy.
What happens next
The Clark County Prosecutor's Office will review the case referral and decide whether to file criminal charges. For official updates on the investigation and public records, visit the Clark County Sheriff's Office.
