La Center rallies to support hurt teen

The La Center community has come together to support a teenage boy who remains in critical condition after he was struck by a pickup last week.

Colin Monahan, 16, remains in an induced coma at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, according to family friend Karen Eckert.

Colin, a junior in high school, is recovering from serious head and internal injuries following an incident near Holley Park in La Center on Feb. 16. Colin darted in front of a friend’s pickup in an effort to hop onto the vehicle’s hood, unbeknownst to his friend, the driver, who was driving slowly through a parking lot, La Center police said. Colin fell and was struck by the truck, police said.

A day or so after the incident, Eckhert set up a gofundme account and support has flooded in. In seven days, the donations have reached more than $7,500.

“Everyone’s family out here,” Eckhert said. “When something tragic does happen, it brings us closer together. We want to help each other.”

Eckhert said that doctors won’t give Colin a prognosis until he wakes from the coma.

“It’s going to be a long road for him,” she said. “He’s a great kid. Boys will be boys, and it’s just a rare circumstance that happened.”

Those interested in making a donation to help with Colin’s medical expenses can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/h8pzcsjw.