Man who learned how to walk after hit-and-run killed decades later crossing road

20 January 2024 , 02:51

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Dal Groshong was killed about 10 minutes from his home (Image: Fox13)

A man who learned how to walk again after a hit-and-run was killed in second tragic incident.

Dal Groshong, 59, was struck on a crosswalk in Pacific, Washington, by a suspect who fled the scene. Groshong was sent to Harborview Medical Center quickly, where he stayed for three months before he tragically died from his injuries on December 11. Police said he hit-and-run that occurred decades prior had also left Groshong with severe injuries and he had to relearn how to walk.

Groshong died from several blunt force injuries, according to the King County medical examiner's findings. A silver or gray 2018–2019 Mitsubishi Outlander struck Groshong and fled the scene, according to surveillance footage from the collision. Although the car's registration plate is unknown, investigators believe the windshield and front passenger end have sustained considerable damage.

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Groshong spent three months in the hospital before ultimately dying from his wounds (Fox13)

A $2,500(£1,967) cash reward is being offered by Groshong's mother and Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound for information that results in an arrest. According to his mother Mary Groshong, he was survived by one daughter, two sons, and four grandchildren.

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"One of Dal's most endearing qualities was his ability to bring warmth to the lives of strangers, particularly the elderly. He always had a compliments ready, creating connections that transcended age and circumstance," she said. Groshong was struck by a car in 1985 while riding a motorcycle. According to his mother, he had a serious brain damage and was temporarily partially paralyzed, FOX 13. After the crash, he had to relearn how to walk.

Dal's legs were severely damaged from a prior vehicular accident (Fox13)

"Dal used a cane to walk as he was disabled. He was an early riser and was just walking home from the store. He lived less than a block away in his home where he had lived for the past 10 years," she said.

Former classmates offered condolences on Facebook. "I’d looked for him several times over the years but had no luck. Then when I do find him, he’s in the hospital after being hit by a car," Lisa Stucks commented on a tribute post. "He dies from his injuries, this hurts to the core"

A silver or gray 2018–2019 Mitsubishi Outlander struck Groshong and fled the scene (Fox13)

"I just received word that a former classmate I knew since junior high was hit and killed in a hit-and-run accident," Cynthia Hansen wrote. "RIP Dal Groshong, 59." Another user, Phyllis Hunt, said: "Sorry for the loss of you childhood friend in such a horrific way. Saying prayers for comfort to you, his family and friends."

Mataeo Smith