Brisbane father of eight Luke Ward suffers traumatic brain injury after alleged hit and run

A Brisbane father of eight was left in a coma for 19 days following an alleged hit and run over Easter in the second tragic incident to rock his family in as many years.

Luke Ward was allegedly struck by a Nissan Navara dual cab ute that was driven by 40-year-old Waterford West man on April 20.

The family of a Brisbane father of eight left for dead after an alleged hit and run are desperate to raise enough funds for his rehabilitation.

Luke Ward was allegedly struck by a Nissan Navara dual cab ute that was driven by 40-year-old Waterford West man on April 20.

Mr Ward was plunged into a coma for 19 days as a result.

Luke Ward was allegedly struck by a Nissan Navara dual cab ute. Photo: supplied

Mr Ward sustained critical injuries to his chest and abdomen and was transported to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, where his brother also works. He underwent emergency surgery, during which a bone in his right brain was removed due to complications.

“He was the first to arrive at the hospital …[Luke] went straight into an induced coma,” his former partner Kayla Darby said.

“We are still waiting on tests to see the impact of his brain injury. He cannot walk for long distances, and very fatigued, it has changed his life.

In another blow for the family, Ms Darby said she is still reeling from the loss of her two-year-old daughter Angel.

“He is family orientated… It’s overwhelming and now having Luke at the hospital and my daughter’s anniversary coming up at the end of this month,” she said.

“It's a lot.”

Kayla Darby with her children Lukas, 14, Mikayla, 2, Kaitlyn, 9, Kaleb, 12 and Jayden, 7. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Mr Ward has been in hospital for more than two months, prompting Ms Darby to launch a fundraiser to assist with the costs associated with his recovery.

“His health is getting better, he just needs the supports at home,” she said.

She said that the money raised will aid in bringing Luke home to his family as he will require ongoing rehabilitation, physiotherapy and speech therapy.

“This incident has not only rocked Luke’s world but our entire family’s. Our children have been really missing their dad and are struggling to adjust to the sudden changes,” she said in a post to the fundraiser.

“With the rising cost of living and losing my other half in an instant, I have been persevering but also struggling to keep afloat with the weight of our big family on my shoulders.”

A 40-year-old Waterford West man has since been charged with one count each of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm, unlawful use of a vehicle, possession of dangerous drugs and common assault. His bail was refused and he is expected to appear before the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on July 23.

Originally published as Brisbane father of eight Luke Ward suffers traumatic brain injury after alleged hit and run