Thurston County deputies are investigating a hit-and-run collision that injured a pedestrian and killed a dog Thursday night.
The incident occurred at a crosswalk near the intersection of Yelm Highway and Donovan Drive, west of Rich Road.
Sheriff Derek Sanders posted about the collision and shared an image of the crosswalk on Facebook. He said the driver of a “gray Kia-like sedan” struck a pedestrian and a dog before fleeing the scene.
Annie Burt commented on Sanders post and identified herself as the spouse of the pedestrian. She said her husband, Andy, suffered a broken foot and will likely need surgery. She described their dog, Kevin, as a “wacky, incredibly loving sweetheart.” He died due to internal injuries.
Sanders replied with his condolences and offered further support.
“I’m terribly sorry about your loss, and glad to hear your husband is ok,” Sanders said. “If you have a GoFundMe set up, I’d be happy to donate and support in whatever way I can.”
He said deputies are working to identify and apprehend the person who hit them.
Family creates GoFundMe fundraiser
Annie and Andy Burt followed Sanders’ suggestion and created a GoFundMe fundraiser Friday morning with a $3,500 goal. Donations will be used to cover Kevin’s cremation costs as well as Andy’s medical bills, according to the fundraiser description.
The GoFundMe identified Kevin by his full name, Kevin McNugget Brownie Burt. In the description, Annie Burt wrote that her family adopted Kevin in late January from the Tacoma Humane Society and he quickly became a “much loved family member.”
Kevin just had his first birthday on Oct. 1. Burt said Kevin was a 75-pound lap dog who was “full of energy” and had “more love and wiggles than he knew what to do with.”
Any excess funds will be donated to the Tacoma Humane Society, Burt wrote.
First responders transported Andy Burt to a local hospital in an ambulance. He suffered several minor abrasions as well as the broken foot.
“We are beyond lucky that he was not more seriously injured,” Annie Burt wrote.
When reached for comment, Annie Burt said her family wanted to thank everyone for their support and warmth.
“This has been unexpected and heartbreaking, and the love we have received from everyone is what is carrying us at this moment,” Burt said. “From the policemen and paramedics to the witnesses and the incredible woman who took our Kevin to the emergency vet, we feel humbled and embraced by the amazing community around us.”
Burt said the collision occurred during a regular nightly dog walk. The crosswalk where it happened is well-lit and features flashing lights. Additionally, she said her husband was wearing a light-up jogging vest for more visibility.
Multiple drivers stopped to let him cross with Kevin, but one did not. She said the driver blew past the crosswalk, stopped for a moment and then took off.
“An incredibly kind woman found our dog, Kevin, and immediately rushed him to the BluePearl Olympia Emergency Vet,” Burt said. “We cannot thank her enough for the emotional love and energy she gave Kevin and our family — she is our hero.”
The Burt family arrived at the animal hospital minutes after the woman did but they soon learned Kevin had died from internal bleeding.
“In this moment of tragedy, our 9-year-old daughter and our family are still struggling to comprehend everything that has happened, but it has given us comfort to do as Mr. Rogers said and always look for the helpers,” Burt said.
“The police on the scene, the paramedics, the doctors, the witnesses, and our family and friends have made this experience bearable.”
She described Kevin as “an absolute goofball and snuggle bug” who was a regular at a dog park down the road on Yelm Highway.
“His time in this world was filled with love, laughter, and a lot of good food, but it was far too short,” Burt said.
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