Kalispell native critically injured in hit-and-run

A fundraising campaign has been launched for Kalispell native Erin Brenneman, who was severely injured when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Portland, Oregon on Thursday.

Brenneman, 26, is a 2009 Flathead High School graduate and has been living and working in Portland for just under two years. She is the daughter of former Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenneman.

Joe described his daughter’s condition as stable, but added that she remains in the intensive care unit with what doctors called a “devastating brain injury.”

“Definitely nowhere out of the woods,” Joe said. “Just a waiting game, but it doesn’t appear to have gotten much worse.”

The accident occurred Thursday afternoon when Brenneman was on a break from the bakery where she works. A hit-and-run driver struck her while she was taking a walk, according to her father. Joe Brenneman said there have been no arrests and the suspect remains at large.

More than 200 donors had already given in excess of $13,500 to a GoFundMe campaign as of Friday afternoon. The campaign’s goal is $20,000.

To contribute to the GoFundMe, visit www.gofundme.com/weloveyouerin.

Joe Brenneman currently serves as the chairman of the Kalispell Public Schools Board of Education. He was a ounty ommissioner for six years before being unseated by Pam Holmquist in 2010.

Entertainment editor Andy Viano can be reached at (406) 758-4439 or aviano@dailyinterlake.com.