BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Dave Schoenborn said a driver recently hit his brother, Mike Schoenborn, along Highway 158 in Belleville and then left the scene.
Mike — a 66-year-old retiree, father of two and huge music lover — suffered life-threatening injuries.
"I'm very frustrated and disappointed that the driver didn't stop," Dave Schoenborn said. "I mean accidents do happen, but how can you leave a person laying on the ground?"
Dave said on the evening of Oct. 20, Mike rode his white Yamaha eastbound on 158 and was apparently heading home to Belleville.
Illinois State Police talked to witnesses who said a westbound driver in a black, older model Chevrolet tried to turn into a gas station but stopped for an unknown reason in eastbound traffic. Investigators said Mike Schoenborn tried to avoid hitting the car but lost control of his motorcycle, was knocked off his bike and crashed.
"We weren't sure he was gonna make it or not? I mean all the blood, bandages, and machines we saw in the hospital. It's just sad," Dave Schoenborn said.
Mike suffered life-threatening injuries.
"I do know he has a serious head injury, broken ribs and more fractures," Dave Schoenborn said.
Two weeks later, Dave said the good news is his brother opened his eyes on Saturday for the first time and is now in fair condition.
"He's awake and sleeping so he's not on a breathing machine anymore," said Dave Schoenborn.
Investigators say the driver of the black Chevrolet sped off from the scene.
Illinois State Police tell 5 On Your Side after checking security footage and further questioning witnesses, two days after the crash they located a vehicle "matching the description of the car with damage consistent with the crash in a nearby neighborhood."
Police are also questioning a person about the crash, but so far there haven't been any arrests.
"I mean you didn't stop to help. Call for help. Do something. Don't just drive away," said Dave Schoenborn.
Family and friends pray Mike Schoenborn gets a miracle.
"We'd like for him to get back so he could enjoy life and not be tied to a hospital bed for the rest of his life. If he wakes up and is back to normal, I think he is a miracle," said Dave Schoenborn.
