A Canadian couple visiting California to surf was struck by a driver who fled the scene leaving one in a coma and the other with traumatic leg injuries.
Kevin Gulbranson, 31, and Dayae Choi, 31, were just hours into their trip to San Diego when an unidentified driver hit them and their rental vehicle in the city’s Ocean Beach area.
The couple were unpacking their suitcases at the time of the horrific incident.
Authorities say the car, believed to be an older model black Lexus sedan, made an ‘unsafe movement’ that caused Gulbanson and Choi to be struck.
‘Pretty emotional. It’s very hard. We’re just hoping and praying for the best right now,’ said Allison Gulbranson, Kevin’s sister, in an interview with ABC 10 News.
Kevin Gulbranson, 31, and Dayae Choi, 31, were just hours into their trip to San Diego when an unidentified driver hit them and their rental vehicle in the city’s Ocean Beach area.
Authorities say the car, believed to be an older model black Lexus sedan, made an ‘unsafe movement’ that caused Gulbanson and Choi to be struck
According to the San Diego Police Department, Gulbranson and Choi were unpacking their rental vehicle in the 4700 block of Greene Street around 5.40pm on Friday, April 7.
The couple were staying with a friend when who lived nearby when the car struck them and drove away.
As they were pulling their luggage from the vehicle, the other vehicle came along and hit them, taking off immediately and leaving them injured.
Allison told the local news outlet that Dayae’s memory of what happened is hazy.
‘They went to reach in [to the rental vehicle], and the next thing that she can remember was that she was lying on the ground and so was Kevin,’ said Allison.
Kevin was rushed to the hospital after the collision with life-threatening injuries.
According to his sister, the Canada resident is still in critical condition in a medically induced coma with severe head trauma.
‘They did brain surgery a few nights ago,’ Allison told CTV News. ‘We’re hoping he’s going to make a full recovery.’
Choi is suffering from ongoing injuries including several fractures but she is conscious.
She has also undergone surgery for her leg injuries, which include missing muscle, fat, and skin in her leg.
Choi will undergo additional surgeries and skin grafting.
According to the San Diego Police Department, Gulbranson and Choi were unpacking their rental vehicle in the 4700 block of Greene Street around 5.40pm on April 7
This is the intersection where the hit and run occurred on April 7
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As they were pulling their luggage from the vehicle, the other vehicle came along and hit them, taking off immediately and leaving them injured
According to Kevin’s sister, the Canada resident is still in critical condition in a medically induced coma with severe head trauma
Choi is suffering from ongoing injuries including several fractures but she is conscious
The couple’s family is now reeling and searching for answers.
‘Upset, disgusted, angry. I can’t believe somebody would be able to do that, knowing that there are two very injured people,’ said Allison.
‘This was supposed to be a fun vacation and it ended with absolutely horrible and devastating injuries to both of them,’ Kevin’s sister said.
‘We’re just looking for answers and for justice,’ said Allison.
A GoFundMe titled ‘Kevin & Dayae Need Our Help’ has raised $112,000 in three days.
Friends are appealing to the public to help cover the cost of medical expenses in the United States.
‘As Canadian citizens on international travel, our support will be critical in easing the strain of expenses that will be required to ensure the best care and recovery mechanisms are utilized,’ the GoFundMe’s description reads.
In an update on the GoFundMe, friends thanked those who have contributed.
‘On behalf of Dayae and Kevin’s family, the ongoing support is highly appreciated and this outpouring from the community is felt deeply by all,’ an update reads.
‘Upset, disgusted, angry. I can’t believe somebody would be able to do that, knowing that there are two very injured people,’ said Allison Gulbranson, Kevin’s sister
A GoFundMe titled ‘Kevin & Dayae Need Our Help’ has raised $112,000 in three days
Police continue to search for the vehicle involved in the hit and run.
The car is described as an older black Lexus sedan, possibly an LS400, with damage on the passenger side.
The vehicle also has a missing mirror on the passenger side and a missing windshield wiper.
A $1,000 reward is being offered to anyone with information on the collision.
Anyone with information about the suspect and the car is asked to call SDPD’s Traffic Division at 858-495-7823 or Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477.
