EXCLUSIVE: 18-year old U of W student alive after hit and run in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG – Stanley Ho dreamed of becoming a corporate lawyer one day but his dream was cut short when he was hit by a vehicle last Sunday.  Police are still looking for the driver.

The 18-year old University of Winnipeg student had just finished his first year of school and went out to celebrate last Sunday with co-workers from his part-time job at Smitty’s but he never made it home.

Ho was hit by a vehicle just 20 feet from the front steps of his house on Jefferson Avenue near McPhillips Street in Garden City.

He remains in critical condition with broken ribs, a broken right leg and possible brain damage.

His mother, Vivian Huynh, says she recalls waking up to police and flashing lights outside her living room window and figured there was car accident.

“I saw a lot of police but I didn’t know that was my son…until they knocked the door.”

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Huynh says it’s miracle her son is alive.  Ho was in a coma since Sunday and opened his eyes briefly on Thursday.

“He tried talking but it doesn’t make sense,” his mother said, “he thinks it’s 2016.”

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READ MORE: Garden City hit and run sends man to hospital

Ho’s girlfriend Brooke Bell and Lorelei Bunkowsky, the Principal of the Amber Trails Community School, have started online fundraisers to help Ho’s family during this uncertain time.

“It’s just one way we can help,” Bunkowsky said.

Ho’s younger brother goes to Amber Trails School and Bunkowsky is a family friend.

“This little brother here had his whole life turned upside down,” Bunkowsky said.

In the meantime, Ho’s mother doesn’t want to leave his bedside, because knowing he was hurt right outside her front door is just to painful.

On Friday, Winnipeg Police released a description of a vehicle they are looking for.

It is a late model, dark-colored Jeep Wrangler and may have damage to the front or hood area.

Anyone with information is asked to call 204-986-6271 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

To help the family, you can click on either link below to donate to the gofundme pages.

Stanley Ho Recovery Fund; Gofundme page by Brooke Bell

Support Stanley Ho and his family; Gofundme page by Lorelei Bunkowsky