SLIDELL, La. (WGNO) — A child was hospitalized after being hit by a vehicle in Slidell on Father’s Day this weekend.
According to the Slidell Police Department, on Sunday, June 16, officers said they received several calls around 1 p.m. reporting 12-year-old Grayson Manning had been hit near the corner of Fremaux Avenue and 10th Street.
An investigation revealed that Grayson had run in the road chasing his dog when a Ram 2500 pickup truck headed east hit him, causing severe injuries.
Grayson was first taken to Slidell Memorial Hospital where he was intubated before being transferred to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans where he was listed in critical condition.
In a post to social media, Slidell police gave the latest update by way of Grayson’s parents in which his father said on what was supposed to be a day of celebration, he got one of the worst calls.
“My baby was fighting for his life after a tragic incident. I don’t remember much of driving to Children’s Hospital except his mother trying to prepare me for the fact that Grayson was in critical condition and to prepare for the worst,” said Grayson’s parents.
So far, his parents said Grayson has undergone three emergency surgeries that have gone well, according to the doctors.
“One to implant something to keep the fluid and swelling in the brain down, one to repair the face and skull injuries, and one to save functioning in his eye. He has an MRI scheduled for this morning to assess spinal injuries. He will have reconstructive jaw surgery and orthopedic surgery on his pelvis scheduled for later this week. Once this is complete they will attempt to remove the breathing tube,” said Grayson’s parents.
Grayson is now listed in stable condition in the PICU at Children’s Hospital.
“Incidents like this are never easy to comprehend, but even harder when it involves a young child. We are all praying for this young boy, his family, and all those affected by this accident,” said Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal.
The crash remains under investigation as officers continue to collect evidence and hear witness statements. Officers say they do not suspect speed or impairment were a factor in the crash.
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