POLICE are hunting for the driver of a dark SUV after a 16-year-old Wynnum boy was struck by two vehicles in a horror crash at Belmont.
The teenager, identified by family as Rylie Grady, remains in an induced coma at Princess Alexandra Hospital after the September 26 incident on Old Cleveland Road.
Police say initial investigations indicate Rylie was struck shortly before 9.45pm by two vehicles.
The first vehicle — described as a dark SUV — left the scene before emergency services arrived.
The second driver, a 19-year-old Zillmere man, was not physically injured.
Rylie was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
His devastated family has since revealed he has undergone multiple surgeries and suffered fractures to his skull, hip and legs.
Rylie, a former Wellington Point State High School student who now attends BUSY Schools in Cleveland, is now stable but remains in intensive care as doctors continue to treat his devastating injuries.
His mum Jazmine, dad Paul and brother Hunter have barely left his side.
A GoFundMe campaign set up by Birkdale organiser Shari Holley has raised close to $10,000 in just days, with the community rallying around the much-loved teenager and his family.
“Rylie is only 16,” the fundraiser states.
“He is a much-loved son, brother, friend and student, with so much life still ahead of him.”
In an emotional update, Ms Holley said the family had been overwhelmed by the generosity, messages and prayers sent Rylie’s way.
“To everyone who has donated, shared the fundraiser, sent a message, said a prayer or simply kept Rylie in your thoughts — thank you,” she said.
“To have raised close to $10,000 in such a short amount of time is overwhelming, and it is a true reflection of just how loved our boy is.”
The family has also paid tribute to the emergency services personnel who raced to help Rylie on what they described as the most terrifying night of their lives.
“In the most terrifying moments imaginable, they acted quickly and gave Rylie the care he desperately needed,” Ms Holley said.
“We will forever be grateful for their response and the part they played in giving him the best possible chance.”
Rylie’s loved ones have been talking to him, holding his hand and reminding him he is not alone through every frightening update and surgery.
“He should be out with his mates, laughing, making memories and simply being a 16-year-old boy — not lying in an ICU fighting to recover from injuries no child should ever have to endure,” the family’s update said.
The fundraiser will help ease the pressure on Rylie’s family, covering time away from work, hospital travel, household expenses, rehabilitation and any ongoing care he may need.
While the family has asked for privacy as they focus all their energy on Rylie’s recovery, they have welcomed the wave of support surrounding them.
“Our boy is still here,” the update said.
“He is still fighting.
“And we will keep fighting right beside him, for as long as it takes.”
Police investigations into the circumstances of the crash are continuing.
Anyone who was in the Old Cleveland Road area at the time, or who has relevant dashcam footage, is urged to contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Quote reference QP2601912044.
