Purcell Teen Struck By Hit-And-Run Driver, In Critical Condition

A Purcell teen remains in critical condition at The Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City after being hit by a vehicle. A friend of the family said a vehicle struck Rafael Garcia-Andrade, 13, Monday night around 9 p.m. and never stopped.

Instead of celebrating July 4th with Garcia-Andrade, Kasey Winn has been at the hospital comforting his family and keeping tabs on her friend. Winn said the teen is on a ventilator and has been unresponsive since he was hit.

Winn said Garcia-Andrade was walking with a friend after picking up fireworks. She said the driver swerved off Green Street, a main road in Purcell and never stopped.               

“He came up on the curb and ran over him,” said Winn. “His friend said he pushed him out of the way or he would have been hit too.”

Winn adds, Rafael's father was on his way to pick him up but arrived moments too late. The teen's friend was in shock and did not get a good look at the vehicle. Winn said he could only describe it as a flat-bed truck, possibly carrying a trailer.

She is now urging Purcell residents who were in the area and saw the hit-and-run to contact police or for the driver to come forward.

“I just want them to come forward and say they did it,” said Winn. “Even if it was an accident.”

Purcell police have not confirmed a vehicle description or if they have a suspect.