By John Dobberstein, Editor
The man who was struck by a vehicle in south Tulsa during a hit-and-run incident has died, his father said Monday in a Facebook post.
Christopher Key spent a week in a coma at a local hospital before succumbing to his injuries.
“My sweet boy Christopher went to Heaven. We are all devastated and overwhelmed. I love him so much,” said Ben Key n his post. “He was the best son and brother that ever lived. He was the most selfless person that I have ever known.
“He made the decision to be an organ donor. So, even in his death he is giving and helping others. I never knew my heart could hurt so terribly bad. I love you so much my sweet boy!”
Christopher was struck by a car at 10100 E. 91st St. in Tulsa on Aug. 8. His vehicle had blown-out tires on the passenger side and body damage as well.
Family and friends had said they believed Christopher was chased by someone after leaving a birthday party and hit by that car while he was on foot.
But Tulsa police clarified last week they had no evidence to suggest Key was being chased by anyone prior to him being struck by the car, although the investigation is continuing.
Previously, Key was driving his white Jeep Liberty around the area of 71st and Mingo. Witnesses reported seeing the Jeep traveling with both passenger side tires blown out and riding on the rims with sparks flying behind the wheels.
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A witness followed the Jeep until it pulled into a parking lot at 9001 S. 101st E. Ave. right around midnight. Shortly after that, the victim left his vehicle and attempted to cross 91st St. just east of 101st E. Ave. and was hit by a vehicle traveling eastbound.
Detectives recovered several car parts, and believe the car that hit the victim was probably a 2010-2012 Ford Fusion of unknown color. The vehicle sustained a broken chrome grill and a black passenger side mirror was broken off at the scene.
If you saw the Jeep between 11:00 p.m. to midnight on Aug. 8, or you think you saw the Ford Fusion mentioned above, detectives would like to hear from you.
Anyone with information is asked to call Tulsa Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS. You can remain anonymous when calling.
Please reference case 2022-037871.
Police added there are “numerous versions of events circulating about this incident.
“At this time we have zero evidence that supports the version where the victim was chased down and assaulted.
“We have 5 independent witnesses, so far, that saw this white Jeep driving down the road swerving and hitting curbs and none of the witnesses saw anybody chasing the vehicle. The dash cameras that were sent to us do not show anyone chasing him.
“We have no evidence so support that anyone assaulted the victim after he exited his vehicle.”
Police said Key did not attempt to go to the medical center, as video shows that he sat in his car for 8 minutes before exiting.
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