Support Merc's Healing Journey After Hit and Run

On Sunday May 25th around 1:10 PM my partner Merc was hit by a driver in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood near Melrose and Mercer. The driver hit them and then sped away with Merc still stuck under the vehicle, making no effort to slow or stop. Merc was able to escape but not without severe injuries and trauma.

We are incredibly grateful for the folks who jumped in to help and call 911, and frankly, I am grateful that Merc is alive. Frustratingly, as of writing the driver has not been identified.

Merc is currently spending their birthday week at Harborview after sustaining a broken femur, several broken vertebrae, a fractured coccyx, and severe road rash from being dragged under the car for some distance. All are expected to heal, thankfully, but it will take time.

Merc had just recovered from a rough ankle (talus) break and ORIF (open reduction internal fixation) surgery in late 2024 and was so happy to be back at the job they love, working for King County Parks with the Cougar Mountain crew doing trail maintenance and other outdoor work. After this latest incident, Merc is unable to continue working their much-loved job at this time, and they have already exhausted Washington’s paid medical leave with the earlier injury.

We are seeking donations of any size to help make this very difficult situation a little less financially stressful. All donations will go directly to Merc’s recovery needs and hospital bills, and help make up for lost income during recovery.

Merc is an incredible, thoughtful, and strong person, and very loved by their friends and family. One of the things I admire most about them is how they are authentically and unapologetically who they are in a way that inspires others to feel safe and comfortable being themselves, too. NO ONE deserves to be at the receiving end of the complete disregard for human life displayed by the unknown driver, and it is heartbreaking to see Merc in this situation especially when they were so excited to be back doing the outdoor activities and work they love.

Thank you for reading and considering.

If you were a witness or know anything about this incident, please reach out to me. SPD case #2025-141370.