At Monday night’s (May 3) meeting, the Burien City Council honored mentally-challenged hit-and-run victim Jeff Kearney, starting off the session with a reading of a proclamation in his honor.

Accompanied by Discover Burien Event Coordinator Debra George and Mike Lindorff, his legal guardian and uncle, Kearney stood in front of the council with the aide of a walker, and appeared excited about the ceremony.

After Mayor Joan McGilton read the proclamation aloud, Kearney not only received a standing ovation, he also got a huge hug from councilmember Kathy Keene.

Here’s the proclamation:

PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON

A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, HONORING Jeff Kearney

WHEREAS, Jeff worked endlessly for Discover Burien keeping our city free of debris and trash.  He rounded up stray shopping carts and helped out at many community events including Clean Sweep, Father’s Day Car Show, 4th of July Parade, Boo in Burien, Oktoberfest, and Winterfest.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney volunteered his time for the City of Burien and Discover Burien Farmers Market setting up tables, helping vendors set up their booths and helping Debra George with additional tasks.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney would say “Can I have just one hug”……everyone who knows Jeff knows that all he wants at the end of the day is a hug from his friends.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney never forgot the name of anyone he met, nor the names of their husband, brother, sister, mother, children, pets or friends.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney is an ambassador of Burien and White Center.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney survived despite all odds.  The victim of a hit and run accident on November 17th, 2009, Jeff continues to fight to gain back the ability to walk, talk and live his life again.  For this Jeff, we wish you all the best in your continued recuperation.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ASK ALL BURIEN CITIZENS TO JOIN TOGETHER TO HONOR Jeff Kearney

For his friendly face, endless amount of energy, can-do attitude and commitment to the City of Burien community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Burien City Council urges all citizens and Business owners to join us in our expression of appreciation for his dedication and invaluable service to Burien’s Community.

Dated this 3rd day of May, 2010.

Mayor Joan McGilton

Deputy Mayor Rose Clark

Councilmember Brian Bennett

Councilmember Jack Block, Jr.

Councilmember Lucy Krakowiak

Councilmember Kathy Keene

Councilmember Gordon Shaw

City of Burien
Joan McGilton
Mayor

Here are photos from Monday night’s ceremony as taken by Scott Schaefer

With the aid of his "boss" Debra George and a walker, Jeff stood up in front of the council.

Jeff listens to Mayor McGilton read the proclamation as his Uncle Mike Lindorff, Debra George and Lucky Krakowiak look on.

After receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, Jeff also received a huge hug from councilmember Kathy Keene.

Jeff was all smiles after being honored by the city for which he has worked so hard.

Jeff was the victim of a hit-and-run in a White Center crosswalk at 16th SW and SW 106th in November. He went in to a temporary coma, suffering from brain trauma, multiple broken bones and other injuries. His recovery slowly continues over the months as he fights to re-learn to walk and perform basic daily functions.

Kearney has worked for years as part of Burien Team Clean Sweep, which is part of the nonprofit Discover Burien Association. A familiar face around Burien and White Center, he has volunteered untold hours at community events, ranging from the Father’s Day Car Show to Winterfest.

Kearney also helped out by regularly performing a variety of tasks at Burien’s Farmers Market, which opens its season this Thursday (May 6), and we here at The B-Town Blog look forward to seeing his smiling face there again!

Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is still at large. Discover Burien is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the responsible person. Anyone having information should contact the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311 or 911.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

Read our previous coverage on Jeff’s story here.

Jeff Kearney, the mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run last November in White Center (read our previous coverage here), will be honored by the city of Burien at City Hall on Monday, May 3rd at 7pm for his endless hours of service to the city and his survival despite the odds.

After being struck in a crosswalk at 16th SW and SW 106th, Kearney went in to a temporary coma, suffering from brain trauma, multiple broken bones and other injuries. His recovery slowly continues over the months as he fights to re-learn to walk and perform basic daily functions.

Kearney has worked for years as part of Burien Team Clean Sweep, which is part of the nonprofit Discover Burien Association, keeping the city free of debris and trash. A familiar face around Burien and White Center, he has volunteered untold hours at community events, ranging from the Father’s Day Car Show to Winterfest. Kearney also helped out by regularly performing a variety of tasks at Burien’s Farmers Market as well, and on a personal note, everyone here at The B-Town Blog looks forward to seeing him there again this summer!

The special needs 37-year-old will be honored with an official city proclamation during the Burien City Council meeting on May 3rd. The meeting will start at 7pm in the council chambers on the first floor of the joint Burien City Hall and Burien Public Library building at 400 S.W. 152nd St., Burien.

Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is still at large. Discover Burien is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the responsible person. Anyone having information should contact the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311 or 911.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

by Scott Schaefer

We love to share good news here at The B-Town Blog, and that’s why we’re posting this update on Jeff Kearney, the mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run last November in White Center (read our previous coverage here).

Jeff was recently discharged from Burien Nursing and Rehab, where he had been staying for the last several weeks after spending time at both Harborview and Highline Medical Center.

He is now recuperating at his home, and Burien Rehab Director Nate Neff sent us this email update:

Scott –

I just wanted to give you a quick update.

Jeff Kearney went home yesterday.

He had been wanting to go home for several days and had been vocalizing it. He has made quite the journey from his tragic accident. While here his feeding tube was removed and he began eating on his own, his cognition cleared up and he was able to clearly speak his needs and wants. Also, his strength increased greatly and he became able to propel himself in his wheelchair. He is still planning on getting some more rehab at home but Jeff was ready to go home.

We wish him the best of luck and are grateful for the opportunity to care for him.

- Nate

Hit and run victim Jeff Kearney at the Mark Restaurant Feb. 12th.

On Friday (Feb. 12th), we caught up with Jeff in person at the Mark Restaurant and Bar, where we found him enjoying a Roy Rogers drink, courtesy his good friend and Discover Burien Events Supervisor Debra George.

Jeff sat at a table near the bar, with his protective helmet sitting in a chair nearby.

We spoke with him for a few moments, mostly small talk, and noticed that his old, familiar smile was still there. We asked him how he was feeling, what he was doing, and his face lit up on the occasions we mentioned various Burien-based women and the hugs he associates with them. While a bit slow to respond, Jeff seemed keenly intent on resuming his friendly relationships with many locals, and it was an uplifting experience to see, especially considering how terribly he was struck and injured (reports say the SUV/truck that hit him was going around 35mph).

Debra George reminded us though that he still needs help walking, but is getting stronger with each day.

This man has come a long way, but he still has a way to go, and we wish him the best. We have a feeling that by the time the Farmer’s Market opens again in May that he’ll be back to his old self.

Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is apparently still at large. A $1,000 reward remains in effect, and the investigation is continuing.

The suspect vehicle, which struck Jeff in a crosswalk on 16th SW and SW 106th in White Center, had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Debra George at the Mark Restaurant at (206) 241-MARK.

Lots of Readers have been asking about Jeff Kearney, the mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run last November in White Center (read our previous coverage here) and has been staying at BTB Advertiser

Debra George says:

Jeff is doing better and although his memory comes and goes he seems to be having better days.

They say he will be able to walk well enough to be discharged from his current rehab facility in two weeks.

He then will enter another rehab facility for three weeks where they will work on motor skills.

They think he will be able to go home after that, and continue with some outpatient treatment.

Once he is out, I am planning on picking him up and bringing him into Burien everyday just so he can go to some of his familiar places.

Far as we know, the hit-and-run driver is still at large, there is still a $1,000 reward, and the investigation is continuing.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Burien Nursing & Rehab at 206-242-3213 or email admissions@burienrehab.com.

Jeff Kearney, the well-known mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run on Nov. 17th in White Center (read our previous coverage here) has been moved to BTB Advertiser

Jeff was moved from Highline’s Specialty Campus in Tukwila to Burien Rehab just before Christmas.

Debra George says:

They are working on getting him walking and moving his right side better.

He is beginning to eat on his own some.

And Burien Rehab’s Nate Neff adds:

Jeff is here and we are happy to have him.

Jeff arrived just before Christmas on Dec. 23. and has adjusted to Burien Rehab and this new setting.

He is currently making gradual improvements and participates in physical and occupational therapy daily.

The therapy team is working on Jeff’s ability to stand as well as his hand eye coordination.

Jeff continues to progress and we enjoy having him here.

Here’s a pic of Jeff courtesy Burien Rehab – check out his groovy goatee!:

Far as we know, the hit-and-run driver is still at large, there is still a $1,000 reward, and the investigation is continuing.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Burien Nursing & Rehab at 206-242-3213 or email admissions@burienrehab.com.

Here’s the latest update on Jeff Kearney, the well-known mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run on Nov. 17th in White Center (read our previous coverage here).

According to Debra George, who visits him almost daily at Highline Medical Center’s Specialty Campus in Tukwila:

Jeff is starting to eat by mouth some, but is still very scattered memory wise – it seems to come and go.

He is not able to get up out of bed yet, but he is able to be in a wheelchair.

He had his trach out on Tuesday and he is talking pretty good. He is getting items in his head mixed up but he is saying some of his old lines, such as “whats your name?”

It seems as he tires he gets more confused on who people are and his short term memory is not so good – such as I come in and he says I know you, your Debra George and then a little later in the conversation he tells me to tell Debra hi for him.

Each day it seems to get better, we are hoping they will start to get him up and in physical therapy for his arms and legs next.

- Debra George
Discover Burien, Event Manager

Photo of Jeff Kearney recovering at Highline Medical Center's Specialty Campus by Debra George.

The hit-and-run driver is still at large, there is still a $1,000 reward, and the investigation is continuing. The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

If you’d like to visit Jeff, he’s taking visitors now at his location at Highline Medical Center’s Specialty Campus, which is located at 12844 Military Rd South in Tukwila (phone: 206-244-0180). Jeff is in room #229.

Here’s the latest update on Jeff Kearney, the well-known mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run on Nov. 17th in  White Center (read our previous coverage here).

According to Debra George, who visited him on Sunday, Dec. 6th:

Jeff is slowly making good progress. He is awake most of the time. He is been doing good at moving his legs and arms, taking commands. Yesterday I asked him to raise one finger, then two and so on – he did very well. I left him with the challenge last night to move his mouth – try and smile, and this morning I am happy to say he moved his mouth and smiled a bit, he even tried to mouth some words.

The doctors say that him might get his tracheotomy out this week and begin to work with a speech therapist. Next week he will be sent back to Harborview where they will look at his hips again – then back to Riverton Rehab. I am very hopeful that he might be home for Christmas.

At this time they have not found the individual that did this to him.

Thank you for all your prayers and concerns.

- Debra George
Discover Burien, Event Manager

The hit-and-run driver is still at large, and the investigation is still continuing. The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

There is still a $1,000 reward, so if you recognize the suspect vehicle please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

If you’d like to visit Jeff, he’s taking visitors now at his new location at Highline Medical Center’s Specialty Campus, which is located at 12844 Military Rd South in Tukwila (phone: 206-244-0180). Jeff is in room #229.

Here’s the latest update on Jeff Kearney, the well-known mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run two weeks ago (original story here) in White Center.

According to Debra George, who brought him over a dozen gifts left by well-wishers for his 37th birthday last Saturday:

“He is breathing on his own, but still has pneumonia and is in ICU for that.

He opens his eyes more now and is tracking some, but does not take in any information. The nurses say that it could be years for him to recover and the extent of his recovery is still unknown.

The Nurses have given Jeff a very nice looking goatee shave.

Nothing yet as I know on the driver who did this to him.

Scott, a wonderful thing that happen last Wednesday when I was visiting Jeff – a box arrived from the Seattle Mariners, filled with all kinds of gift items and a signed card by no less than 25 Mariners employees – they all signed something personal as if they all knew him and were all rooting for him. This was not provoked by anyone I know of – just a wonderful thing they did!”

We checked in with Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department, who says that the hit-and-run driver is still at large and the investigation is continuing. The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

There is still a $1,000 reward, so if you recognize the suspect vehicle they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Update On Hit & Run Victim Jeff Kearney; His Birthday Is Saturday & Suspect Is Still At Large
• UPDATE: Police Need Help Finding Vehicle In Hit-And-Run Of Jeff Kearney

Just spoke with Debra George, who had a chance Tuesday to visit Jeff Kearney, the well-known, mentally-challenged man who was struck by a hit and run driver last Tuesday (Nov. 17th) in White Center.

“I feel very positive after seeing him,” Debra said late Tuesday morning. “I saw him move his shoulder and grimace in pain at one point, which is a great sign actually – it shows that he is responsive, which is a relief. And as I was leaving, I said out loud: ‘Okay Jeff, I’m going now, so you’d better give me a hug!’ and he actually moved his shoulders.”

Debra gave us more details on Jeff’s current condition:

• He’s still in Intensive Care at Harborview in serious condition.
• He’s been taken off the drug-induced coma but has not yet awakened.
• However, he has shown movement in both his arms and legs, which is a good sign.
• He’s currently on a respirator because he has contracted pneumonia since being admitted.
• He has fractures in his pelvis and hip, as well as severe injuries to his jaw, which may actually be broken.

As we reported last week, Kearney, 36, well-known in Burien as part of “Team Clean Sweep,” was crossing 16th Ave SW in the crosswalk at SW 106th in White Center on Tuesday, Nov. 17th around 5:20pm when a vehicle heading southbound on 16th struck him.

Jeff’s legal guardian, Mike Lindorff, apparently didn’t know about the accident until around 8:30pm that night, when he began to get worried that Jeff hadn’t yet returned home. Apparently Jeff was not wearing his usual ID dog tags when he was hit, so he was admitted to Harborview as an unidentified “John Doe” until Mike found out what happened.

Debra spoke to a nurse at Harborview, who told her it could “take a week” or so before Jeff wakes up on his own and gives them a chance to fully analyze his condition.

Jeff’s 37th birthday just happens to be this Saturday, Nov. 28th, and anyone who wishes to send gifts or cards should drop them off at The Mark Restaurant, located at 918 SW 152nd in Olde Burien before closing time Friday night (Nov. 27th); Debra George will then personally deliver them to Jeff.

According to Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department,”we have not located the suspect vehicle or driver. We still want tips from the public.  The vehicle has damage that is specific and significant enough that someone should recognize it.”

Police are still looking for a maroon-colored Chevrolet or GMC SUV/truck that’s missing an exterior side rear-view mirror (and possibly has other front-end damage), and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If anyone recognizes the suspect vehicle they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

We here at The B-Town Blog continue to send positive vibes and prayers to Jeff. We are all feeling more positive after speaking with Debra, and are currently visualizing a huge “Welcome Back” party to celebrate a healthy and full recovery for him soon, where we’ll all hug him and tell him how our spouses, children, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers are doing.

Discover Burien announced Thursday (Nov. 19th) that it will be offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of the driver of the vehicle that committed the hit-and-run on Jeff Kearney in White Center on Tuesday, Nov. 17th.

The $1,000 reward is set up at Burien’s Sterling Savings Bank (located at 224 SW 152nd Street; (206) 243-6869), and residents can contribute to it as well.

Kearney, 36, a well-known mentally-challenged man and part of Burien’s “Team Clean Sweep,” was crossing 16th Ave SW in the crosswalk at SW 106th on Tuesday around 5:20pm. The suspect vehicle was southbound on 16th when it struck him. The vehicle slowed but did not stop and was last seen driving off southbound on 16th.

Kearney was taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition, and the latest reports we’ve heard are that he’s been upgraded to “serious condition.”

The suspect driver is still at large, and according to police, a driver’s side exterior mirror was found at the scene, and there is also likely damage to the left front fender.

The vehicle is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If anyone recognizes the suspect vehicle they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

We will continue to post updates about Jeff and this story as we learn more.

RELATED:

• UPDATE: Police Need Help Finding Vehicle In Hit-And-Run Of Jeff Kearney