12-year-old boy recovers in hospital after being hit by car

Boy hit while riding bicycle on A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – A 12-year-old boy continues to recover in the hospital after he was hit by a car in Ponte Vedra Beach last week.

Eythen Kissane has facial fractures, a broken neck and shoulder and burns, his father told News4Jax Thursday. 

He said his son will need several surgeries. 

The Florida Highway Patrol said Eythen was riding his bicycle on State Road A1A when he was hit by a vehicle.

The 12-year-old's father said he's thankful for the two men who jumped into action and lifted the car off his son.

He shared a photo of Eythen in the hospital, hoping it's a reminder to drivers of what can happen, especially on a busy road like A1A.

Eythen's uncle, Brett Simon, is urging the public to be on the lookout for children when they drive.

“People just need to be aware of their surroundings,” Simon said. “It's almost like going back to Driver's Ed training when I tell you to keep both hands on the wheel, pay attention to what's going on, be responsible for your actions in a vehicle.”

July may be coming to a close but school is still out and children are everywhere on their bikes and skateboards, Simon said.

“If your child was crossing the street, what would you want them to do?” Simon said. “You want them to be safety conscious about what's going on and be aware of their surroundings.”

Eythen had to be airlifted to a hospital, and the medical costs are piling up for his recovery his family said.

“It's tough to see a wonderful young child that is now afraid to ride his bike and things like that,” Simon said. “It’s going to take a lot of time for him to get over, not just physical injuries but also the psychiatric part of it, too.”

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Eythen's family pay for medical expenses.