Fundraiser set up for Donora man injured by hit-and-run driver in Massachusetts

A GoFundMe account has been set up for David Wachinski, who was working at a construction job when he was struck.

A Donora man is in a Boston, Mass., hospital fighting to recover after a hitand- run crash left him with life-altering injuries while working a construction job out of state.

David Wachinski, a husband and father of two, was on a construction detail along Interstate 95 in Foxboro, Mass., around 2:15 a.m. Monday when he was struck by a car while setting up a work zone, according to CBS News Boston. The driver did not stop.

Wachinski lost part of a leg in the crash and was rushed to Boston Medical Center. Family members say he’s in critical condition and facing a long and painful road ahead.

“It was scary. You don’t know too much, you don’t know what’s going to happen next,” said Mina Thompson, Wachinski’s sister- in-law, in an interview with CBS. “He fought and is still fighting to survive.”

His wife, Katie, along with other family members, traveled from Donora to be at his bedside.

“A lot of people love him. A lot of people appreciate him. He could have just been gone,” Thompson said. “Someone knows something. Whether it’s them who did hit him and they’re scared or they’re having second guesses or they told a family member.”

Massachusetts State Police said they recovered a passenger-side mirror at the scene and are actively investigating. They’ve urged anyone with information to call 508-543-8550.

“The Massachusetts State Police offers the victim and his family our deepest sympathy in the aftermath of this senseless crash,” the agency said in a statement, as reported by CBS. “Although he is expected to live, the impact of his injuries illustrates the danger of failing to drive with care in and around work zones.” Meanwhile, support has poured in from the commu – nity and beyond. A GoFund – Me campaign launched by Kristin Carroll on behalf of Katherine Wachinski raised $15,000 of its $18,000 goal within two days.

“David is a devoted husband and the proud father of two amazing boys,” the fund – raiser states. “Anyone who knows him knows how hard he works to provide for his family and how quick he is to lend a hand to others. Now, it’s our turn to rally around David and Katie as they face this incredibly difficult time.” The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, where Wachinski is a member of District Council 57, also issued a statement urging support: “Please support our DC 57 brother David Wachinski who was seriously injured in a workplace accident. No donation is too small. One Union, One Family, One Fight!” The family remains hopeful the driver will come forward.

“It’s never too late to turn around and be like, ‘Hey, I messed up and I want to come forward,’ and that’s what we’re hoping for,” Thompson told CBS. “What gets done in darkness will come out to light, so it will come out.” To donate, go to https:// gofund.me/74e37a03f. More than $17,000 had been raised by Thursday night.