Man injured in Hazel Dell crash improves in hospital

A 21-year-old Vancouver man injured in a fatal crash in late November improved in a local hospital.

Joseph Reilly was listed in serious condition in the intensive care unit at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Michelle Halfhill said Thursday.

He was injured on his way to work at a Hazel Dell pizza restaurant on Nov. 27.

According to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Annastasia Morrison, 20, of Vancouver lost control of her speeding 2006 Mazda MX6 4-door sedan on Highway 99 near Northeast 72nd Street. Reilly was walking to work at Smokey’s Hot Oven Pizza just before 3 p.m. when he was hit by the Mazda. He was thrown across 72nd Street by the impact.

The car then hit a post, which tore it in half, killing Morrison, said traffic homicide Detective James Payne.

Reilly was transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center with “massive injuries,” including a brain contusion and a “tremendously bad” pelvis fracture, said Dr. George Dulabon, the PeaceHealth trauma surgeon who first treated him.

Reilly’s cousin, Aaron Hahn, who is speaking on behalf of the family, said Reilly has gone through a series of surgeries and is making progress in his recovery. Hahn said there was a chance his cousin would be moved out of the ICU soon.

People can donate to the Fund for Joseph M. Reilly at any TwinStar Credit Union branch to help cover costs for Reilly’s medical bills.

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