Juvenile left with brain damage after severe hit-and-run
MARYLAND – A Wicomico County family is asking “Why?” after their son was severely injured in a hit-and-run crash on August 16, 2024.
Austin Broadwater is a student at Wicomico High School, who runs tracks and loves to ride his longboard. Since his serious accident, the family has been praying there is light at the end of this tunnel.
Jason Broadwater and wife Katie were walking their family dog when they noticed 14-year-old Austin hadn’t made it home. It was about 8:30 pm, and Katie was concerned. She called Austin’s phone but wasn’t ready for what was on the other end.
“He was on death’s doorstep when he was brought here,” father Jason said. “My wife tried to call Austin’s phone, and it was a State Trooper that answered instead of it being Austin… He has a subdermal hematoma in his brain, that was the biggest concern, that’s really the major injury, although all the injuries are serious.”
Austin had been struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding his skateboard. He was flown to Shock Trauma. aside from his severe brain injury, he suffered a fractured scapula and pelvis, chin lacerations, a bruised lung and kidney, and severe road rash.
Jason says this has been hard on the entire family, especially Austin’s older brother. “On this particular evening, they had just come back from football practice, and our oldest son was just kind of tired, so he just didn’t want to ride down to the store that evening. You know, there might be 2 kids here instead.”
The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office says an important detail in this case is that there is no sidewalk or shoulders on Walston Switch Road. Investigators have yet to make an arrest and need the public to step up.
Captain Rich Weirsberg said if anyone has video off their ring cameras or information, to share it with the department.
“Right now, the best source of information we have is a pickup truck,” Captain. Weirsberg said. “So, we’re not sure if the pickup truck was involved in the accident, or if the pickup truck was someone that might of witnessed the accident, so we’re asking anybody with information to come forward and let us know.”
The family is hoping the driver will turn themself in. And, Jason has a word of advice for all parents out there.
“No matter how uncool your kid thinks that helmet is, make them wear that helmet anytime they jump on their skateboard, bicycle, rollerblades, or scooter,” Jason said. “Give them a helmet, because what’s really cool, is them being able to walk away from an accident.”
Unfortunately, Austin was not wearing his helmet at the time of his accident. His parents say that since his initial admission to the hospital he has woken up and spoken a few times and that they are praying he can recover without severe permanent damage.
If you have any information regarding this crime, contact Crime Solvers at (410)-548-1776. The Broadwater family also has a GoFundMe set up, and if you wish to donate, click the link.
