A 16-year-old high school volleyball player is in critical condition with a severe traumatic brain injury after being struck by a vehicle while walking in a crosswalk in Tempe, Arizona. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene, and authorities are actively searching for them. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4th.
Tragic Accident in Tempe Crosswalk
The young athlete, identified as Jette Heldenbrand, a junior in high school and a player for the Arizona Sky Volleyball Academy, was hit by a dark gray Mazda 3 four-door sedan. The collision took place as she was using a designated crosswalk. The impact left Jette with not only a severe traumatic brain injury but also a broken arm and numerous scrapes and bruises. She was rushed to Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, where she remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) fighting for her life.
A website established to aid in the search for the driver and support Jette’s family described her condition as dire. Friends and family have expressed shock and devastation over the incident and the driver’s decision to leave Jette critically injured and alone.
Eyewitness Accounts and Family Friend’s Plea
Ali Marie Beatty, a close family friend, shared her anguish on Instagram, highlighting Jette’s vibrant personality. “Jette is such a kind, loving young lady who has touched the lives of so many, and right now she is fighting for her life in the ICU,” Beatty wrote. She further elaborated to local news outlets, describing Jette as “so sweet and bubbly and funny and kind.” Beatty expressed disbelief and heartbreak that someone could inflict such harm and then abandon the victim. “It’s devastating that someone could hit somebody and drive off and leave them,” she stated, questioning how the driver could live with their actions.
Another witness, Julisa Carrizosa, was on a bus leaving a volleyball game and saw the collision unfold. Carrizosa recounted the terrifying moment, saying, “In my eyes, I thought this person could very much be gone.” She focused on prayers for Jette to survive. Carrizosa condemned the hit-and-run, calling it “sickening” and “not very humane” that the driver chose to flee rather than stop and render aid or face the consequences.
Police Search for Suspect Vehicle and Driver
The Tempe Police Department has released details about the suspect vehicle, believed to be a dark gray Mazda 3, four-door sedan. Investigators anticipate the car sustained significant damage, particularly to the front driver’s side. This damage is expected to include the headlamp assembly and the front bumper area, with a substantial portion, if not all, of the front bumper cover likely missing.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen the incident or who has any information about the vehicle or the driver to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the Tempe Police Department directly at (480) 350-8311 or through their online portal.
Community Rallies for Support
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated by Ali Marie Beatty to help Jette and her family with medical expenses and other associated costs. The online fundraiser has seen an outpouring of support from the community. As of Monday evening, the campaign had already raised over $43,400, demonstrating the widespread concern and desire to assist the Heldenbrand family during this incredibly difficult time.
Jette is remembered by her teammates and friends as a “sweetest, silly young woman.” The community is united in its hope for her recovery and in its call for the driver responsible to be apprehended.
Conclusion: Seeking Justice and Supporting Recovery
The hit-and-run incident involving Jette Heldenbrand has sent shockwaves through the Tempe community and beyond. As Jette continues her fight for recovery in the ICU, the focus remains on identifying and locating the driver who fled the scene. The Tempe Police Department is actively pursuing leads, and the community has shown its solidarity through generous donations and heartfelt messages of support. The hope is that justice will be served and that Jette will have the resources and care needed for her long road to recovery.
