Thousands Of Cyclists Ride To Support Severely Injured Hit-And-Run Victim

BOYLE HEIGHTS (CBSLA.com) —  More than 1,500 cyclists rode past County USC Medical Center Friday in support of a hit-and-run victim who was severely injured near Griffith Park in February.

Damian Kevitt, 36,was riding his bike about 11:35 a.m. on February 17 when he was struck by a light-colored minivan, possibly a gray Toyota Sienna.

Kevitt was dragged 600 feet on an on-ramp to the Golden State (5) Freeway until he fell from the vehicle. Kevitt suffered 20 bones broken and doctors needed to amputate his right leg below the knee. Kevitt's left foot is missing tissue and skin and may also need to be amputated. Road rash exposed Kevitt's left elbow to the bone. His buttocks will need skin grafts.

Friday evening Kevitt's mother, Michele Kirkland, many friends -- and many more strangers -- gathered to help the still-hospitalized Devitt. As the riders went by the hospital, in fact, he was having his 9th surgery -- and he is still not close to healing.

Rachel Kim, reporting for KCAL9, attended the event. Kirland told her "I was really touched by this event. And so was Damian."

His mother says he remains positive about his healing and recovery.

Conrad Culling, a cyclist who took part in the ride said, "We wanted to show him we were here for him. And we wish him a speedy recovery."

A $25,000 reward is being offered to help find the hit-and-run driver.