Hit-and-Run Victim 'Has a Long Road of Recovery Ahead of Him'

Steven Gandolfo has a long recovery ahead of him.

The 22-year-old on Hamburg Turnpike in the early morning hours Oct. 30 when he was hit by a car in a hit-and-run accident.

Gandolfo suffered head injuries and was in a coma for four days as a result of the accident. He also has eight broken ribs, bruised lungs, and a fractured spine.

"For someone to hit him and not even stop and see what happened, is unthinkable," Gandolfo's mother Cathryn said. "I can't even express what's it's like to see your child go through something like this. He has a long road of recovery ahead of him."

The former student is going through therapy, both physical and mental, as a result of the incident. He is not able to return to work or school.

"I want the person who did this caught so this doesn't happen to anyone else," Cathryn Gandolfo said.

Gandolfo's family is offering a $5,000 reward upon the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the accident.

Detective Capt. Jim Clarke previously said that the vehicle that struck Gandolfo was silver in color, but the make and model are unknown. He said the passenger side mirror was torn off in the accident, as was the amber and white lens cover for one of the lights.

Cathryn Gandolfo said the vehicle involved was a 1998 to 2001 Kia Sportage.

Anyone with information should contact Officer John Costabile at 973-633-3525.