Elizabeth Grove: Karen Johnson found critically injured in middle of road

The distraught son of a woman found lying on a street with serious head injuries faces the prosect of losing two parents in four years.

A northern-suburbs man has been left with the prospect of losing two parents within four years after his mother was left for dead on their own street.

Karen Johnson’s bleeding body was left on Sampson Rd at Elizabeth Grove about 8pm Wednesday.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene and treated the 59-year-old’s serious head injuries before she was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hosptial where she remains in a critical condition. Detectives are investigating if Ms Johnson was hit by a car and the circumstances of her injuries are not yet known.

Karen Johnson, 59, was found with critical head injuries on a road at Elizabeth Grove.

Her distraught son Buzzby Barfoot, 26, told The Advertiser he was in shock and was still recovering from the trauma of losing his father, Marcus Barfoot, in June 2018.

Mr Barfoot said Marcus had fallen from a cherry picker at a worksite and died from his injuries.

He said his mother’s potential death was horrible.

“I feel sick, I could just throw up at any point … it’s such a massive load,” he said.

“The last time I spoke with my mum was about 6 o’clock last night (Wednesday), she was asking for an ibuprofen … she just had a bit of a headache.

“The next time I heard her would’ve been her leaving the house between 7pm and 7.30pm, I heard the front door closing.

“Roughly an hour later I had the neighbours knocking on my door saying your mum’s on the street and you should come outside.

“I stepped outside and there was an ambulance and they were taking care of her with a significant head injury … I was just scared really.”

Buzzy Barfoot speaks to the media about his mum. Picture: Dean Martin

The Elizabeth Grove street where Karen Johnson was found with critical head injuries. Picture: Dean Martin

Mr Barfoot said he had no idea what happened to his mother.

“I’m hoping the security footage can shed some extra light on the situation … she could’ve fallen backwards, she could’ve been hit by a car, she could’ve gotten into a fight for all I know - I didn’t hear anything,” he said.

He said his mother did not have enemies.

Mr Barfoot speaks to detectives doorknocking the area. Picture: Dean Martin

Detectives door knocking in Elizabeth Grove on Thursday morning. Picture: Dean Martin

“She was a friendly woman and she got along with just about anyone she came in contact with.”

He was hopeful his mother would recover but said it was likely she would die from her injuries.

“If I could say anything to her it would be that I love her a lot and it was great having her around,” he said.

“Sometimes you don’t get those last words, I’d like to say I can be hopeful … but I know what to expect.”

Anyone with information on the incident or who heard suspicious activity in the area should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.