hilary kindschuh/Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Monday, November 6, 2006 6:00 pm
Jena Van Groningen, the 18-year-old Lincoln woman struck by a police officer’s car early Sunday, remained in critical condition Monday at a Lincoln hospital.
Her mother, Deb Chinnow, said Van Groningen was in a coma but showing small signs of improvement.
“We’re praying about it,” Chinnow said. “We just pray and pray.”
At 12:28 a.m. Sunday, according to an e-mail received Monday from Lincoln Police Chief Tom Casady, Officer Amanda May, 26, was driving south on 48th Street between Bryson and C streets on her way to a home near Sheridan and Van Dorn for a backup call when Van Groningen stepped into the street in front of May’s cruiser.
May was driving approximately 40 to 45 mph, according to the police accident report.
Casady said the cruiser’s headlights were on but not the emergency lights and siren.
May stayed at the scene with Van Groningen until medical help arrived, Casady said.
Kyle Parker, 22, said after Van Groningen was struck, he was on the ground checking her breathing and trying to get her to respond.
“I said, ‘Jena, say my name,’” he said. “She just made a slight noise.”
Chinnow said her daughter broke her pelvis, some ribs and injured her spleen, in addition to receiving head injuries.
Van Groningen works part time and recently started classes at Southeast Community College. She was considering a career in medicine, her mother said.
A graduate of Lincoln Northeast High School, Van Groningen was active in cheerleading, dancing, and golf. She was voted prom queen last spring, Chinnow said.
“She was so sweet. . . . liked by everyone,” Chinnow said. “Tons and tons of kids are up here (at the hospital), hanging out and waiting.”
Reach Hilary Kindschuh at 473-7120 or hkindschuh@journalstar.com