At Monday night’s (May 3) meeting, the Burien City Council honored mentally-challenged Jeff Kearney, the victim of a hit-and-run in White Center, with a reading of a proclamation in his honor.

Accompanied by Discover Burien Event Coordinator Debra George and Mike Lindorff, his legal guardian and uncle, Kearney stood in front of the council with the aide of a walker.

After Mayor Joan McGilton read the proclamation aloud, Kearney not only received a standing ovation, he also got a huge hug from councilmember Kathy Keene.

Here’s the proclamation:

PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON

A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, HONORING Jeff Kearney

WHEREAS, Jeff worked endlessly for Discover Burien keeping our city free of debris and trash. He rounded up stray shopping carts and helped out at many community events including Clean Sweep, Father’s Day Car Show, 4th of July Parade, Boo in Burien, Oktoberfest, and Winterfest.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney volunteered his time for the City of Burien and Discover Burien Farmers Market setting up tables, helping vendors set up their booths and helping Debra George with additional tasks.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney would say “Can I have just one hug”……everyone who knows Jeff knows that all he wants at the end of the day is a hug from his friends.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney never forgot the name of anyone he met, nor the names of their husband, brother, sister, mother, children, pets or friends.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney is an ambassador of Burien and White Center.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney survived despite all odds. The victim of a hit and run accident on November 17th, 2009, Jeff continues to fight to gain back the ability to walk, talk and live his life again. For this Jeff, we wish you all the best in your continued recuperation.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ASK ALL BURIEN CITIZENS TO JOIN TOGETHER TO HONOR Jeff Kearney

For his friendly face, endless amount of energy, can-do attitude and commitment to the City of Burien community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Burien City Council urges all citizens and Business owners to join us in our expression of appreciation for his dedication and invaluable service to Burien’s Community.

Dated this 3rd day of May, 2010.

Mayor Joan McGilton

Deputy Mayor Rose Clark

Councilmember Brian Bennett

Councilmember Jack Block, Jr.

Councilmember Lucy Krakowiak

Councilmember Kathy Keene

Councilmember Gordon Shaw

City of Burien
Joan McGilton
Mayor

Here are photos from Monday night’s ceremony as taken by Scott Schaefer

Jeff was the victim of a hit-and-run in a White Center crosswalk at 16th SW and SW 106th in November. He went in to a temporary coma, suffering from brain trauma, multiple broken bones and other injuries. His recovery slowly continues over the months as he fights to re-learn to walk and perform basic daily functions.

Kearney, a White Center resident, has worked for years as part of Burien Team Clean Sweep, which is part of the nonprofit Discover Burien Association. A familiar face around Burien and White Center, he has volunteered untold hours at community events, ranging from the Father’s Day Car Show to Winterfest to the Burien Farmers Market.

Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is still at large. Discover Burien is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the responsible person. Anyone having information should contact the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311 or 911.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

Read our previous coverage on Jeff’s story here.

Jeff Kearney, the mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run last November in White Center (read our previous coverage here), will be honored by the city of Burien on Monday, May 3rd at 7pm for his endless hours of service to the city and his survival despite the odds.

After being struck in a crosswalk at 16th SW and SW 106th, Kearney went in to a temporary coma, suffering from brain trauma, multiple broken bones and other injuries. His recovery slowly continues over the months as he fights to re-learn to walk and perform basic daily functions.

Kearney has worked for years as part of Burien Team Clean Sweep, which is part of the nonprofit Discover Burien Association, keeping the city free of debris and trash. A familiar face around Burien and White Center, he has volunteered untold hours at community events, ranging from the Father’s Day Car Show to Winterfest. Kearney also helped out by regularly performing a variety of tasks at Burien’s Farmers Market as well.

The special needs 37-year-old will be honored with an official city proclamation during the Burien City Council meeting on May 3rd. The meeting will start at 7pm in the council chambers on the first floor of the joint Burien City Hall and Burien Public Library building at 400 S.W. 152nd St., Burien.

Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is still at large. Discover Burien is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the responsible person. Anyone having information should contact the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311 or 911.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

by Scott Schaefer

You may remember Jeff Kearney, the mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run crime last November at a marked crosswalk on 16th SW and SW 106th  in White Center (read our previous coverage here).

Jeff was recently discharged from Burien Nursing and Rehab, where he had been staying for the last several weeks after spending time at both Harborview and Highline Medical Center.

He is now recuperating at his home, and Burien Rehab Director Nate Neff sent us this email update:

Scott –

I just wanted to give you a quick update.

Jeff Kearney went home yesterday.

He had been wanting to go home for several days and had been vocalizing it. He has made quite the journey from his tragic accident. While here his feeding tube was removed and he began eating on his own, his cognition cleared up and he was able to clearly speak his needs and wants. Also, his strength increased greatly and he became able to propel himself in his wheelchair. He is still planning on getting some more rehab at home but Jeff was ready to go home.

We wish him the best of luck and are grateful for the opportunity to care for him.

- Nate

On Friday (Feb. 12th), we caught up with Jeff in person at the Mark Restaurant and Bar in Burien, where we found him enjoying a Roy Rogers drink, courtesy his good friend and Discover Burien Events Supervisor Debra George.

Jeff sat at a table near the bar, with his blue protective helmet sitting in a chair nearby.

We spoke with him for a few moments, mostly small talk, and noticed that his old, familiar smile was still there. We asked him how he was feeling, what he was doing, and his face lit up on the occasions we mentioned various women he knew and the hugs he associates with them. While a bit slow to respond, Jeff seemed keenly intent on resuming his work, as well as the numerous relationships with many locals, and it was an uplifting experience to see, especially considering how terribly he was struck and injured (reports say the SUV/truck that hit him was going around 35mph).

Debra George reminded us though that Jeff still needs help walking, but is getting stronger with each day.

This man has come a long way, but he still has a way to go, and we wish him the best. We have a feeling that by the time the Burien Farmer’s Market opens again in May that he’ll be back to his old self.

Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is apparently still at large. A $1,000 reward remains in effect, and the investigation is continuing.

The suspect vehicle, which struck Jeff in a crosswalk on 16th SW and SW 106th in White Center, had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Debra George at the Mark Restaurant in Burien: (206) 241-MARK.

Lots of Readers have been asking about Jeff Kearney, the mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run last November in White Center (read our previous coverage here) and has been staying at Burien Nursing & Rehabilitation.

Debra George of Discover Burien says:

Jeff is doing better and although his memory comes and goes he seems to be having better days.

They say he will be able to walk well enough to be discharged from his current rehab facility in two weeks.

He then will enter another rehab facility for three weeks where they will work on motor skills.

They think he will be able to go home after that, and continue with some outpatient treatment.

Once he is out, I am planning on picking him up and bringing him into Burien everyday just so he can go to some of his familiar places.

Far as we know, the hit-and-run driver is still at large, there is still a $1,000 reward, and the investigation is continuing.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Burien Nursing & Rehab at 206-242-3213 or email admissions@burienrehab.com.

Jeff Kearney, the well-known mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run on Nov. 17th in White Center (read our previous coverage here) has been moved to Burien Nursing & Rehabilitation.

Jeff was moved from Highline’s Specialty Campus in Tukwila to Burien Rehab just before Christmas.

Discover Burien’s Debra George says:

They are working on getting him walking and moving his right side better.

He is beginning to eat on his own some.

And Burien Rehab’s Nate Neff adds:

Jeff is here and we are happy to have him.

Jeff arrived just before Christmas on Dec. 23. and has adjusted to Burien Rehab and this new setting.

He is currently making gradual improvements and participates in physical and occupational therapy daily.

The therapy team is working on Jeff’s ability to stand as well as his hand eye coordination.

Jeff continues to progress and we enjoy having him here.

Here’s a pic of Jeff courtesy Burien Rehab – check out his groovy goatee!:

Far as we know, the hit-and-run driver is still at large, there is still a $1,000 reward, and the investigation is continuing.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Burien Nursing & Rehab at 206-242-3213 or email admissions@burienrehab.com.

Here’s the latest update on Jeff Kearney, the well-known mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run on Nov. 17th in White Center (read our previous coverage here).

According to Discover Burien Event Manager Debra George, who visits him almost daily at Highline Medical Center’s Specialty Campus in Tukwila:

Jeff is starting to eat by mouth some, but is still very scattered memory wise – it seems to come and go.

He is not able to get up out of bed yet, but he is able to be in a wheelchair.

He had his trach out on Tuesday and he is talking pretty good. He is getting items in his head mixed up but he is saying some of his old lines, such as “whats your name?”

It seems as he tires he gets more confused on who people are and his short term memory is not so good – such as I come in and he says I know you, you’re Debra George, and then a little later in the conversation he tells me to tell Debra hi for him.

Each day it seems to get better, we are hoping they will start to get him up and in physical therapy for his arms and legs next.

- Debra George
Discover Burien, Event Manager

The hit-and-run driver is still at large, there is still a $1,000 reward, and the investigation is continuing. The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

If you’d like to visit Jeff, he’s taking visitors now at his location at Highline Medical Center’s Specialty Campus, which is located at 12844 Military Rd South in Tukwila (phone: 206-244-0180). Jeff is in room #229.

Here’s the latest update on Jeff Kearney, the well-known mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run two weeks ago (original story here) in White Center.

According to Debra George, who saw him at Harborview and brought over a dozen gifts left by well-wishers for his 37th birthday last Saturday:

“He is breathing on his own, but still has pneumonia and is in ICU for that.

He opens his eyes more now and is tracking some, but does not take in any information. The nurses say that it could be years for him to recover and the extent of his recovery is still unknown.

The Nurses have given Jeff a very nice looking goatee shave.

Nothing yet as I know on the driver who did this to him.

Scott, a wonderful thing that happen last Wednesday when I was visiting Jeff – a box arrived from the Seattle Mariners, filled with all kinds of gift items and a signed card by no less than 25 Mariners employees – they all signed something personal as if they all knew him and were all rooting for him. This was not provoked by anyone I know of – just a wonderful thing they did!”

We checked in with Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department, who says that the hit-and-run driver is still at large and the investigation is continuing. The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If anyone recognizes the suspect vehicle they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• An Update On Hit & Run Victim Jeff Kearney
• UPDATE: Police Seeking Help In Finding Vehicle In Hit-And-Run Of Well-Known Local Man

Tuesday morning (Nov. 24th), we spoke with Debra George, who managed Jeff Kearney as part of Discover Burien’s “Team Clean Sweep.” Jeff is the victim of a hit and run in White Center that happened last Tuesday (Nov. 17th) at the intersection of 16th SW and SW 106th.

Debra recently visited Jeff at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he is still in serious condition.

“I feel very positive after seeing him,” Debra said. “I saw him move his shoulder and grimace in pain at one point, which is a great sign actually – it shows that he is responsive, which is a relief. And as I was leaving, I said out loud: ‘Okay Jeff, I’m going now, so you’d better give me a hug!’ and he actually moved his shoulders.”

Debra gave us more details on Jeff’s current condition:

• He’s still in Intensive Care at Harborview in serious condition.
• He’s been taken off the drug-induced coma but has net yet awakened.
• However, he has shown movement in both his arms and legs, which is a good sign.
• He’s currently on a respirator because he has contracted pneumonia since being admitted.
• He has fractures in his pelvis and hip, as well as severe injuries to his jaw, which may actually be broken.

As we reported last week, Kearney, 36, well-known in Burien as part of “Team Clean Sweep,” was crossing 16th Ave SW in the crosswalk at SW 106th in White Center on Tuesday, Nov. 17th around 5:20pm when a vehicle heading southbound on 16th struck him.

Jeff’s legal guardian, Mike Lindorff, apparently didn’t know about the accident until around 8:30pm that night, when he began to get worried that Jeff hadn’t yet returned home. Apparently Jeff was not wearing his usual ID dog tags when he was hit, so he was admitted to Harborview as an unidentified “John Doe” until Mike found out what happened.

Debra spoke to a nurse at Harborview, who told her it could “take a week” or so before Jeff wakes up on his own and gives them a chance to fully analyze his condition.

Jeff’s 37th birthday just happens to be this Saturday, Nov. 28th, and anyone who wishes to send gifts or cards should drop them off at The Mark Restaurant, located at 918 SW 152nd in Olde Burien before closing time Friday night (Nov. 27th); Debra George will then personally deliver them to Jeff.

According to Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department,”we have not located the suspect vehicle or driver. We still want tips from the public. The vehicle has damage that is specific and significant enough that someone should recognize it.”

Police are still looking for a maroon-colored Chevrolet or GMC SUV/truck that’s missing an exterior side rear-view mirror (and possibly has other front-end damage), and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If anyone recognizes the suspect vehicle they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

We here at The B-Town Blog continue to send positive vibes and prayers to Jeff. We are all feeling more positive after speaking with Debra, and are currently visualizing a huge “Welcome Back” party to celebrate a healthy and full recovery for him soon, where we’ll all hug him and tell him how our spouses, children, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers are doing.

The King County Sheriff’s Department announced Thursday morning (Nov. 19th) that they need help in finding the vehicle that struck and critically injured Jeff Kearney, who was struck in a White Center crosswalk on Tuesday.

Kearney, 36, well-known in Burien as part of “Team Clean Sweep,” was crossing 16th Ave SW in the crosswalk at SW 106th. The suspect vehicle was southbound on 16th when it struck him. The vehicle slowed but did not stop and was last seen driving off southbound on 16th.

Kearney was taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition, where he remains.

According to police, a driver’s side exterior mirror was found at the scene. There will also be damage to the left front fender.

The vehicle is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If anyone recognizes the suspect vehicle they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

PREVIOUSLY:

Sad news for the area – a hit and run accident late Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 17th) on 16th SW in White Center has put Jeff Kearney in critical condition in a medically-induced coma in Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Jeff is known to most everyone in Burien as a huge part of “Team Clean Sweep,” and you’ve probably seen him or talked to him at one of the city’s many local events over the last several years. Despite being mentally-challenged, he is a very happy, gregarious, kind and hard-working 36-year old who seemingly knows everyone in town (especially the ladies).

On a personal note, we would often see Jeff at the weekly Farmer’s Market, and he’d always ask us how we were doing, where Janet was, how our parents were, how our spouses were and more, and we thoroughly enjoyed his company.

According to the King County Sheriff’s Department, the hit and run happened around 5:33pm Tuesday (Nov. 17th), when Jeff was crossing a marked crosswalk in White Center. The suspect vehicle was driving southbound on 16th SW at around 35mph, and struck him while he was still in the crosswalk, throwing Jeff some 30 feet. The vehicle, identified as a black SUV or truck, slowed down, then took off southbound on 16th. Reports are that an external side rear-view mirror fell off the vehicle. The driver is still at large.

“Jeff’s in a medically-induced coma right now,” said Mike Lindorff, his legal guardian and uncle. “He’s got minor fractures on his back and face, but the most concerning thing right now is that he has bleeding on the brain. They have drilled a hole in his head and are trying to reduce pressure so they can wake him up, and they won’t know if he has brain damage until then.”

Everyone here at The B-Town Blog, especially the ladies who were all well-known by him, send our hopes, prayers and meditations to our friend Jeff Kearney for a full and speedy recovery.

We ask also that our Readers take a moment to look at Jeff’s photo and send positive vibes his way.

Also, according to Debra George, who worked closely with Jeff:

“If you’d like to drop anything off you can drop it off at the Mark Restaurant & Bar (918 SW 152nd Street) and I will make sure it gets to him as soon as he is out of ICU.

Thank you for your kindness.”

On another note, we hope that the police catch the hit and run driver and that justice is fully served.

If you have any information on a suspect black SUV or truck that is missing a side rear-view mirror, please call 911 immediately.