James August, fifth from right, in the Riversdale logging team. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED
KAREN COLTMAN
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Twelve days after being hit by a car after a night out in Carterton, James August [pictured right] remains in a coma at Wellington Hospital.
He was walking home between 1am and 2am on Friday, May 22, when he was found badly hurt and unconscious on the road.
August’s boss Gerard Brolly of Brolly Logging said there would likely be a “long road to recovery” ahead.
He said August was in and out of surgery last week and remained in a medically induced coma.
“We really want him back as he was, with his fun personality,” Brolly said.
“But I think it is looking to be a long road to recovery.”
At about 7.30pm Thursday, May 21, August went to Ev’s bar in Carterton where karaoke was held.
Hours later he was struck by a vehicle near Plimsoll St, a well lit area in a 50kmh residential zone.
“You had to have known you had hit a person and must’ve seen him,” Brolly said.
“I reckon the driver may’ve been drinking and this is why they are not coming forward.
“But I really hope the police get them.
“August is a great guy and doesn’t deserve this.”
“We want him back as the same popular person he was the day he was injured.”
August has lived at the Taratahi Hotel for a year where he has friends.
Bar owner Richard Skelley said a sense of gloom had struck the place since the crash.
August, 42, has family in Wellington but is originally from Tokoroa where he has children.
Police ask anyone with information to call 105 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.
