A Wake County man is fighting for his life Thursday night after Raleigh police officers say an impaired, wrong-way driver hit him in his car days earlier.
22-year-old Kai Ritchie has undergone three surgeries at WakeMed in Raleigh for serious injuries. His mother, Stormy Schumann-Ritchie, told WRAL News he was en route from work in Knightdale.
Other WRAL Top Stories
“He was driving home on I-40 back to Cary, and another car came onto I-40 the wrong way and hit him,” she shared.
Ritchie was hit a day before his birthday, according to his mother.
"It's devastating. Absolutely devastating for me, his friends and family," Schumann-Ritche said.
Police arrested Jose Lopez-Sanchez in connection with the crash.
He faces many charges, including driving while impaired, felony serious injury by vehicle and reckless driving.
“Don’t drink and drive because you have the potential of killing someone, hurting someone, but not only that person but so many others attached to that person,” Schumann-Ritchie said.
Kai’s mother described him as a ‘loving, caring jokester’ and ‘avid motorcycle lover’
Nearly 100 members of an open motorcycle group participated in a rally in Cary to raise awareness and money for Kai’s medical expenses.
Josh Aparicio, a friend and fellow biker, said the showing of support means Kai doesn’t have to fight alone.
“We care for him, we love him and are all sending our best wishes towards him,” Aparicio said.
A GoFundMe has been created to help with Kai’s healing journey.
His mother told WRAL News he’ll likely be in the hospital between two and three more weeks.