West Valley boy in coma after being hit by car; family, neighbors want safety improvements

WEST VALLEY CITY — A West Valley boy remains in a coma a week after he was struck by a car while walking to school, leaving his family devastated and neighbors calling for urgent safety changes along a busy stretch of roadway.

Michael Jetnil was crossing 4100 West at 3100 South around 7:20 a.m. on May 13 when a driver making a right turn failed to see him, according to West Valley police.

Police said the driver was making a right turn onto 3100 South to head east. He stopped at the sign, looked left for traffic, but did not notice the child crossing in front of the vehicle.

Michael's mother, Bensay Joseph, said her son has been in a coma since the crash.

"Heartbroken," she said, describing the past week, "because I haven't heard my son's voice for a week now."

Bensay said Michael suffered liver damage and underwent surgery to remove part of his liver, and doctors have been monitoring internal bleeding. Joseph said the bleeding has stopped, and she's clinging to the small signs of progress.

"I called his name twice this morning, I saw a little movement in his eyes," she said.

"One little move is big."

Joseph said the morning of the accident was the first time she allowed Michael to walk ahead without her, adding that she usually walks or drives her kids to and from school.

"I never let him walk alone, never. That was the first time," Joseph said. "That day my boy decided he wanted to walk because he saw his older sister going out the door. They knew the daily routine to wait for me until we all leave the house, but just this day, he didn't. Just this day."

Michael left home with his older sister but never made it to school.

Neighbors say speeding is a longstanding problem

Just a few houses from the crash site, neighbor Barbara Sedillo said she's been worried about speeding. A former school bus and UTA driver, she said the area feels unsafe for pedestrians, especially children walking to the various nearby schools.

"The cars they speed on by like it's a freeway or something, going in and out of the neighborhood. They don't slow down for the kids," Sedillo said. "I don't want anybody to get hurt while crossing. I noticed there aren't enough flashing red lights for the kids to cross."

Sedillo said she wants to see more crosswalks, speed bumps, and school traffic signs installed to slow drivers down. She said several kids jaywalk from north to south on 3100 South because there isn't a crosswalk into her community.

"We need some kind of speed deterrent," she said.

Joseph also said that several kids walk along 3100 South since there are multiple schools in the area.

"Everyone knows that is the route children use every day to school," Joseph said. "I already knew that route is not safe and I want to spread awareness. The only place that is safe is where the crossing guards are (when you get to the school)."

School district responds

In a statement, the Granite School District said it is offering crisis counseling to students.

"Our hearts are with this student and his family as he continues to recover from this tragic traffic accident," the statement said.

The district also said schools do no have the legal authority to maintain, manage or staff crosswalks or signage, as those are located on public roadways.

"We work collaboratively with local municipalities and law enforcement agencies to determine safe walking routes," the statement continued.

The district also pointed families to its safe walking guidelines, which outline recommended routes and safety practices.

West Valley City police said the driver involved in the crash stayed at the scene and has been cooperative. Investigators have not announced whether a citation will be issued. If a citation is issued, police said, it will be for "improper lookout."

Community support

A GoFundMe* has been set up to help the family with medical expenses as Michael continues his long recovery.

Joseph said all she can do now is wait and hope, knowing the recovery will be slow.

"My mind is just longing for my son."

*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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