MUSKEGON COUNTY—
Police say a distracted driver caused an accident that left a 15-year old girl in seriously injured this morning.The accident happened at 40th and Sherman, just east of Ravenna, in Ottawa County's Chester Township, just before seven Wednesday morning. Police say the driver, Jonathon Cardinal was driving east on Sherman, and went to use his cell phone. The phone dropped on the floor of his pick-up truck, and when he reached down to get it, he hit 15 year old Paige Holtz. Holtz was wearing an iPod and may not have heard the truck coming from behind her. She was taken to Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids.
Paige Holtz's family did not want to speak with the media but issued this release through the hospital:
Thank you for thinking of Paige following the accident. She remains in serious condition. We are focused on her recovery.
iPods are part of everyday life for many teens. We encourage parents to remind their teens to walk facing traffic instead of having traffic at their back. We realize teenagers won't stop listening to music but if they are facing traffic at least they can see what's coming. If Paige was walking facing traffic, her accident may have been prevented.
Paige is listed in stable condition tonight.
