Boy recovering after being struck by SUV after school in South Beloit
According to WIFR, Brenden was released from the hospital on Thursday, June 1, 2023, and is home now.
UPDATE: According to WIFR, Brenden's mom says he was released from the hospital on Thursday, June 1, 2023, and is home now.
A 11-year-old boy is recovering at a Madison hospital after being hit by a SUV Thursday, May 25, 2023. He had just gotten off the school bus at his grandma’s house in South Beloit. The family has organized a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for expenses. The boy attends Riverview Elementary School in South Beloit, IL
The impact sent Brenden Bourgord into a ditch 20-30 feet away. His best friend Mario saw it all happen and ran to get Brenden's grandmother.
After an initial examination and CT scan at a Janesville hospital, Brenden was flown to UW's American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, WI, where he was rushed into emergency surgery. His lacerated spleen, beyond repair, was removed. The surgeon was able to repair his ruptured diaphragm.
The next day, in a second surgery, three screws and rods were inserted to hold his broken femur together as he grows. Doctors expect it will take 3-6 months for his femur to heal, but he won't be able to play sports for a year. He will remain in Madison for two weeks.
According to updates on GoFundMe, Brenden was diagnosed with a concussion and a partial collapsed lung. He was throwing up on Sunday. Since he had diminished bowel sounds and movement on his left side, doctors could not remove the tube going from his nose down to his stomach. He cannot eat or drink until the drainage tube is out. But on Monday, he was able to take a short walk to the bathroom and was sitting up in the recliner. On Wednesday, his tube was removed and he was able to eat for the first time since the accident. His stepmom says, "He’s walking and talking and eating and smiling again!"
Brenden’s mom, Ashley, and step-dad, Tyler, live in Beloit, while Brenden’s dad, James and stepmom, Fawn, live in Ringle, WI, west of Wausau. His stepmom Fawn says, "Brenden remains on oxygen, lots of antibiotics, and numerous pain medications at this time."
Fawn says police told her the driver was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Because no charges have been filed, she says the family is planning a lawsuit. Since the incident happened in Illinois, the Beloit Police would not be filing charges, but in Illinois, the Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) is still investigating. South Beloit Police told WIFR that the driver remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
South Beloit Police Chief Adam Truman told us on Tuesday morning, May 30, 2023, "This incident is still under investigation. At this moment, no charges have been filed. The Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) was called out to investigate the traffic crash."
More information and photos on GoFundMe
