East H.S. student injured in hit-and-run still in critical condition

East H.S. student Deyondrah Bridgeman

DENVER — Her family says Deyondrah Bridgeman “is looking forward to going to college to be a counselor.” But as of Tuesday, the East High School student and hit-and-run victim was still in critical condition with a severe brain injury.

Though they have declined interview request since the 16-year-old was hit while crossing Colfax Avenue on the way to school on Feb. 27, Bridgeman’s family released a statement Tuesday.

“Dee’s injuries are very serious and we hope that this tragedy will help people understand the importance of careful driving,” the statement read. “We are grateful to all who have helped with Dee’s care — from the witnesses who stopped to help to the paramedics who arrived on scene to the staff at Denver Health.”

Surveillance camera footage shows a black Chevrolet Malibu slamming into Bridgeman on Wednesday morning as the teen crossed Colfax Avenue near East High School. The vehicle never showed signs of swerving or stopping after barreling over the student.

Police arrested Erin Jackson in connection with the hit and run, saying the 31-year-old teacher at AXL Academy in Aurora turned herself in two days after the crash.

Jackson is being charged with with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, a class-four felony, and careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury, a misdemeanor.

Bridgeman’s family said she is unable to accept flowers due to the fact that she is being housed in the Intensive Care Unit at Denver Health, but urged anyone hoping to support her to donate to a fund set up in her name at any Wells Fargo.