Ryan White, Kid Critically Injured in Hit and Run, Gives a Thumbs Up

Ryan White

​Ryan White, the nine-year-old Phillies fan who was tragically hit by a drunk driver after the Giants game last week, has been upgraded from critical to serious condition, his parents said Tuesday afternoon.

Ken and Roseanne White released a statement to the media thanking the community for its well wishes, and more importantly delivering good news about Ryan. Just last week, the young Pennsylvania resident was fighting for his life after suffering serious fractures to his pelvis, left leg and ankle, a laceration to his liver, and a traumatic brain injury. Now his parents say he is slowly improving.

"Currently, he is following some basic commands," they said. "In a matter of days, he has gone from giving us a thumbs up or a thumbs down to speaking in sentences for the first time this morning." 
His parents hope to soon relocate him to Pennsylvania where he will continue his recovery and rehabilitation.

Andrew Vargas was arrested on Aug. 4, a few hours after he allegedly hit Ryan White while the boy crossed Mission Street after attending the Giants game. Vargas allegedly was driving in the wrong direction on New Montgomery -- a one-way street -- when he did an abrupt turn, hitting Ryan.

After Ryan was knocked unconscious, Vargas allegedly drove off, and continued hitting cars, both parked and moving. He also allegedly hit Ryan's aunt who suffered a minor ankle injury.

Witnesses say they saw Vargas get onto the freeway, headed toward the East Bay. He was later pulled over by Fremont police and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and hit and run.

Vargas was charged on Monday and was in due in court today for his arraignment.

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