Hit-and-run driver leaves KSU student Emily Bowman in critical condition

A 19-year-old Kennesaw State University student received ‘life-threatening’ injuries after being struck from behind by a hit-and-run driver in Athens early Sunday moing, according to police.

Emily Bowman, of Cherokee, was walking eastbound on Oak Street between Carr and Oconee Streets, police said. She was walking in the grass, off the roadway, police said.

A red truck driver traveling eastbound on Oak Street left the roadway and struck Bowman from behind, then fled the scene after the incident, police said. Witnesses provided a description of the truck. Police found it a short time later, but could not find the driver.

Bowman was taken to Athens Regional Medical Center for the treatment of life-threatening injuries, police and her father said. Dale Bowman said his daughter had gone to Athens to celebrate a friend’s birthday when the accident happened.

”They rushed her into surgery, he said. ”She’s been on a ventilator since, .

Dale Bowman said he hasn't left his daughter's side since the incident.

"She's not good. They removed a portion of her skull for the brain swelling," he said.

Friends of the victim said that it's horrifying to see what she looks like now.

"Nobody struck a human being like that and didn't realize it happened," said Athens-Clarke County police Sgt. Von Anderson.

Anderson showed Stockman the back of a red truck filled with empty beer cans. Police believe the driver of that truck was responsible for the accident and is a 22-year-old who is not cooperating with authorities.

"I can't imagine the conscience of someone who who has been involved in something like this not being willing to help that family," Anderson said.

Outside of the hospital, Emily Bowman's friends were trying to remain strong.

"Please pray for Emily and hope she recovers because I don't want to lose my best friend," Annalee Strickland said.