3-year-old hospitalized after being hit by car
HANOVER—A 3-year-old boy is in “guarded” condition today at University Hospital, Madison, after being hit by a car his mother was backing out of a family member’s driveway Wednesday afternoon at 8108 W. Mill St., Hanover, in Plymouth Township, according to Commander Troy Knudson of law enforcement services.
Patricia A. Welch, 28, of Rockford, Ill., did not see her son leave the house as she backed up her car, but stopped to investigate after feeling it bump into something. That’s when she found her son lying on the ground underneath the trunk of the driver’s side of her car, according to a press release issued by the sheriff’s office.
Welch then pulled her son out and from under the car, put him in his car seat and rushed him to an area hospital emergency room, according to the press release.
Investigation into the incident, so far, indicates the incident was accidental and alcohol was not involved, Knudson said.

Feb 6, 2009 at 10:13 a.m.
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"and alcohol was not a factor"...after accidentally hitting your child and having to go through those emotions, I don't think the media has a right to put that thought into the publics mind.
Feb 5, 2009 at 11:17 p.m.
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crisblue, this is also not a criticism, but your advice only works if you're always backing up.
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I'm sure this mother will be replaying the event over and over in her head, wondering if there was something she could have done to prevent it. I pray the little one is ok and the mother finds peace in knowing that this truly was an accident.
Feb 5, 2009 at 11:10 p.m.
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My thoughts and prayers are with them also.. Shame on any of you with a negative comment. I believe in karma.. What comes around goes around.. It could happen to the best of us!!!!
Feb 5, 2009 at 8:38 p.m.
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What a horrible accident!! I am so glad to hear he is ok!!! My heart goes out to mom & child. :-(
Feb 5, 2009 at 6:07 p.m.
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I have 6 kids one is about to turn 3 and I am so sorry that this happened. This really sucks what a horrible horrible accident I pray for this family it can happen to any of us
Feb 5, 2009 at 5:18 p.m.
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Patty and I have been friends all our lives. She is a very good mother. It was a tragic accident!
Feb 5, 2009 at 3:19 p.m.
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I dont want to critisize anyone here, and I wont.. but one thing to keep in mind, this is what we do with our children whome are 2 and 4, we constantly tell them, especially in the summer months that you NEVER GO BEHIND THE VEHICLE! When you get out go around to the front! We only hope it sticks with them.
My heart goes out to the mother and son in this case... What a horrible thing to happen, soo devastating...
Also tho, i know its instinct... but if such a tragedy happens please dont pick up the child, this could make matters way worse, call 911 immediatly. Moving the child could cause back/neck injuries... Just talk to them and try to wake them up if they are passed out.
Feb 5, 2009 at 3:06 p.m.
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I know my daughter (in the summertime) has run out of the house after me cuz she wants to go with me. This has always been a fear of mine. Accidents do happen & I hope this mom realizes it. It has to be a horrible feeling and I never ever want to experience it.
Kids are sneaky & if they want to do something they will find a way to do it. Take your eyes off them for two seconds & they are out the door. It's unfortuante that this had to happen.
Feb 5, 2009 at 2:39 p.m.
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What was the 3 year old doing outside unattende(sp) in the cold anyways?
Feb 5, 2009 at 1:15 p.m.
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I think someone needs anger managament
Feb 5, 2009 at 1:01 p.m.
Feb 5, 2009 at 12:57 p.m.
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stupidisasstupiddoes - take your own advice. SuperDave was simply saying its a good idea to account for everyone and everything around you before backing up. It's called being careful, not being perfect.
Feb 5, 2009 at 12:23 p.m.
Feb 5, 2009 at 12:11 p.m.
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Prayers to the family and I hope he recovers. And accidents happen regardless how careful we are That is why they are called as such. I brought my arm back one time and broke my 2 year olds nose You think it didn't devistate me and the looks at the ER were horrific I am so glad that the nurse knew me and made me feel better as a parent. I hope the mom can forgive herself and realize accidents happen!!!!
Feb 5, 2009 at 11:14 a.m.
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I freak out when someone let's their dog run loose and I'm trying to move my car. I'll say "hold on to Sparkles while I back out, okay??". Well that's what I say if the dog happens to named Sparkles, but you get the idea.
Same with kids - everyone has to be accounted for before I shift it out of Park.
(This is not a criticism of anyone).
Feb 5, 2009 at 10:51 a.m.
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Oh my! I can't even imagine. My thoughts are with the family. This is so horrible.
Feb 5, 2009 at 10:19 a.m.
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This is very sad and happens a lot more often than we think. Those little ones are so quick and can get out of sight without anyone knowing. My heart goes out to the mother and I sure hope the little boy is going to be alright.
Feb 5, 2009 at 10:12 a.m.
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My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Feb 5, 2009 at 9:48 a.m.
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I hope the little guy is going to be ok.
Feb 5, 2009 at 9:46 a.m.
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Oh my god. What a nightmare. Thoughts and prayers to mother and son.
Feb 5, 2009 at 9:40 a.m.
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What a hard thing for this mother to go through.... My heart goes out to you and your family....
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