by Vancouver, Washington — A Washington father is facing a long and uncertain recovery after police say a teenage driver struck him and his three children in a marked crosswalk as he tried to push the kids out of harm’s way during a walk home from school.
The incident, which happened in November 2025, left Kyle Eck with a traumatic brain injury and sent all three of his children to the hospital. Authorities say the 17-year-old driver fled the scene and later went to work before eventually turning himself in.
Crosswalk Crash Leaves Family Devastated
According to Vancouver police, Eck was walking with his children — ages 10, 7, and 6 — when a vehicle turning left struck them at the intersection of Southeast 136th Avenue and Seventh Street.
Police said the family was legally crossing the street using a marked crosswalk when the teen, driving his grandmother’s 2008 Nissan Versa, failed to yield and hit them before leaving the scene.
Eck later told local reporters that he saw the car coming and tried to move his children out of the way.
“We used to be able to walk across the crosswalk, and now that’s no longer a part of our life,” Eck said.
“We won’t do that anymore.”
Children Injured, Father Suffers Brain Trauma
All four family members were injured in the crash, but Eck suffered the most severe injuries.
According to his family:
- Eck sustained a traumatic brain injury
- Doctors performed a craniectomy, removing part of his skull to relieve pressure
- He later underwent cranioplasty surgery
- He required a tracheostomy to help him breathe
- He was placed in a medically induced coma
His children were also hurt:
- The oldest child suffered dental injuries
- The 7-year-old sustained severe facial road rash
- The 6-year-old suffered road rash to her legs
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Eck’s fiancée and the children’s mother, Kaylee Johns, said doctors initially were unsure if he would survive.
“We were told they didn’t know if he was going to make it,” Johns said.
“At times, we were told that in a couple of days we might have to make decisions.”
Driver Allegedly Fled and Went to Work
Court documents obtained by local media reveal that after the crash, the teen did not stop to render aid.
Instead, police say he:
- Left the scene
- Went to his job and worked an entire shift
- Later returned home and told his mother what happened
- Turned himself in with family members present
The delay in reporting the crash has been a major point of concern for Eck’s family.
“With it being the time of day it was, they knew they hit somebody — let alone how many,” Johns said.
Legal Case Moves Forward
The 17-year-old driver is now facing charges related to the crash. Because he is a minor, authorities have not publicly released his name.
According to court records, his trial is scheduled to begin on March 23.
Police confirmed the case remains under active prosecution, and additional details will be presented in court.
Family Faces Long Road to Recovery
A GoFundMe created to support the family states that Eck continues to recover from serious neurological injuries and will likely face long-term physical and cognitive challenges.
Johns said the family understands the driver is young, but the impact of the crash will be lifelong.
“We understand he’s 17,” she said.
“Kyle will have to deal with this for the rest of his life.”
Eck echoed that sentiment, saying everyday activities once taken for granted now feel unsafe.
Community Reflects on Crosswalk Safety
The crash has renewed conversations in the community about pedestrian safety, particularly around school routes and crosswalks.
Family members say they hope the case serves as a reminder to drivers to slow down and remain alert, especially in areas where children frequently cross.
Should penalties be tougher for hit-and-run crashes involving pedestrians and children? Share your thoughts in the comments.
