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Updated at: 11/02/2009 10:59 AM Parents Search for AnswersEarly Saturday morning, Debbie and Mike Balluff woke up to a nightmare. "It's a call at home at three in the morning that a parent never wants to receive, saying that your child is in an ICU on a respirator," said Debbie. Their 18-year old son Alex-- a star athlete from Oak Grove who had big dreams for the future-- was now fighting for his life at St. Mary's Hospital.Alex was visiting friends in Duluth just for the night-- and as they all four walked home along the 2200 block of Rice Lake Road-- he was struck by a vehicle. The Balluffs were told that their son was the victim of a hit and run, his athletic body left mangled by vehicle impact, on the side of the road. For Debbie-- that's the most heart-wrenching piece. "It's really just hard for us to even fathom that someone wouldn't just get out of their car and say, 'can I help?'" Debbie said. For the sake of Alex--whose life has suddenly been put on hold, the Balluffs say they're searching for some sort of closure and they, along with police, are asking for help. They are looking for the vehicle involved--a black, smaller sized SUV, possibly a Honda. It is believed to be a newer model, but will have noticeable damage to the passenger side front and possibly the hood. Police say it is missing its passenger side mirror, as it was left behind at the crash scene.. For now, the Balluffs say they will take each minute as it comes, trusting Alex's recovery to their faith in God. "We don't know what tomorrow will bring," Debbie said. "The doctors have been very good to say it's not a sprint, it's a marathon." Anyone with information regarding Saturday's crash is asked to call Duluth Police Investigator Ryan Morris at 218-730-5655. If you happen to see a vehicle matching the description with passenger side damage, call 911 immediately. |
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