By Patrick Tepoorten

A three-year-old North Branch boy, Masen Luczynski, remains in a coma after he was struck by a pick-up truck in a Rush City crosswalk last Thursday evening. His grandmother, Pennie Ramsey, indicated that doctors are guardedly optimistic about Luczynskiís recovery, though he remains in critical condition.

According to a press release from the Sheriffís office, Luczynski was struck just before 8 p.m. on July 13 at the intersection of Game Ave. and First Street in Rush City.

The boy had been in the process of crossing the street with a neighbor and her two children when he was struck. The driver of the truck, Bradley Allen Schafer, 41, of Rush City, was headed southbound at the time.

The intersection where the incident occurred is marked with a crosswalk and a sign warning drivers that the speed limit is 20 m.p.h. when children are present.

It has not yet been determined how fast the truck was going at the time it hit the child. Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the incident.

The boy suffered serious head injuries and was flown by North Air Care to North Memorial Hospital in the Twin Cities for medical treatment. As of 1 p.m. July 14, he remained in critical condition.

An investigation into the accident is ongoing and being conducted by the Sheriffís office and the State Patrol re-constructionist.

The Rush City Fire Department and Lakes Region EMS assisted at the scene.

Donations for Luczynski can be sent to the Benefit for Masen Luczynski fund at:

Lake State Federal Credit Union
6241 Main Street
North Branch, Mn., 55056

Comment from Lisa Lestrud, 8/3/06

How sad to have happen...our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involed.