The family of a 26-year-old Apple Valley woman who was run over by a hit-and-run driver last Friday night while walking to Cub Foods has decided to end life support for her.
Family members of Joan LeVasseur said on a Caring Bridge internet web page that doctors have told them that there is no sign of a meaningful recovery. With “heavy hearts” the family said it has decided to take her off life support because they believe that is what she would want.
Previously, family members said that Joan suffered severe head trauma and brain injury in the accident, which happened shortly after 9 p.m. Police said Ms. LeVasseur was walking in a crosswalk at Cedar Avenue and 153rd Street in Apple Valley when a vehicle struck her and drove away. She is engaged to be married.
Based on a tip from the public, Apple Valley Police said they later recovered a 2003 Ford Focus sedan that they believe has front-end damage from striking Ms. LeVasseur. Capt. Jon Rechtzigel told the Star Tribune the vehicle and residents of the house where the vehicle was recovered are closely associated, but he declined to elaborate. He said the residents are hiring a lawyer and are not talking to the police.
The car was found in a residential garage about a mile south of the accident scene.
Motor vehicle accidents are a major cause of traumatic brain injury. Even a minor accident may result in brain injuries. At PritzkerOlsen Attorneys, our Minnesota traumatic brain injury lawyers understand the importance of obtaining just compensation for victims and families. To contact our firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or complete a free online consultantion form.
