Watch CBS News

Family: 'U' Hit-And-Run Victim Passes Away

By Holly Wagner, WCCO-TV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The family of a University of Minnesota student critically hurt in a hit and run accident says he passed away Thursday afternoon.

The mother of Ben Van Handel wrote on their Caring Bridge web page, "Despite his heroic efforts, Ben did not survive from the injuries sustained when he was struck by a vehicle last week. He passed away with his family and friends by his side this afternoon."

She added that his organs will be donated so "other families will not have to say goodbye to their loved ones."

Early on Wednesday, Van Handel's mother updated the page stating her son had a CT scan and the results were not good.

Van Handel was a senior at the University of Minnesota. He's set to graduate next month with a degree in economics. Van Handel is from Appleton, Wis.

According to the Minnesota Daily, Van Handel was walking a friend home the night the accident happened. He's one of three students who were walking on the sidewalk when a car plowed into them. The other two students are recovering.

Minneapolis police are still looking for the driver. Witnesses reported hearing a car accelerate before the students were hit. Police describe the car as a Toyota Camry or Solera, white, early 2000 model. Officers say the vehicle should have front end damage. If you have any information, give police a call.

Watch Holly Wagner's Earlier Report

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.