Local boy hit by vehicle on US 287

A Clarendon boy is hospitalized in Lubbock this week after he struck by a Jeep while crossing US 287 Sunday afternoon.

DPS Trooper Chase Overbeeke said the boy, identified on social media as seven-year-old T.J. Smith, was struck by the vehicle at about 2:40 p.m. near the intersection with Goodnight Street. He had been playing across the road and was called back by the person watching him, the trooper reported. He darted north across the highway and was struck on his right side.
Witnesses told DPS that the driver of the Jeep, 38-year-old Scott Ormon of North Richland Hills, was not speeding and tried to avoid the boy.

Smith was transported by ambulance to Claude and was then airlifted to Lubbock’s University Medical Center with severe injuries, particularly to his head and face.

A family friend told the Enterprise Tuesday afternoon, that Smith’s mother, Shantel Harris, reports that he is doing “amazing” and that he is off the ventilator and eating liquids. She also said that recovery will be a “long road.”

She also is said to be very thankful for the prayers, love, and support shown by the community. A prayer vigil was held for the boy at Prospect Park within hours of the accident Sunday.

Reports say that donations for the family may be made at Pilgrim Bank in an account for Ms. Harris.