Professional pet sitter recovering from hit-and-run driver while taking cat for a walk

A hit-and-run driver left 73-year-old Karen Miely, a professional dog walker from Seward Park, Seattle, in critical condition after hitting her on Christmas Day while she was walking her cat, Maximus Rex. The incident occurred around 7 p. m. near 52nd Ave South and Orcas Street, where Miely was struck and sustained severe injuries, including broken legs and a shattered pelvis, necessitating surgery. Witnesses described the chaos of the moment, with one neighbor recalling the loud crash as they were sitting down for Christmas dinner.

Miely's situation has garnered significant community support, leading to the creation of an online fundraiser to assist with her unexpected medical expenses and rehabilitation. Fortunately, her cat Maximus Rex was unharmed, and she expressed relief that he is back home being cared for. Miely, who knows another dog walker who tragically lost her life earlier this year, hopes someone may have captured the accident on security video. The Seattle Police Department's Traffic Collision Investigation Squad is currently investigating the incident, but no suspects have been identified yet. Local residents have noted that the intersection has poor visibility and a history of accidents, raising concerns about safety in the area.