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ROY — The truck driver who hit 5-year-old Bentley Roberts while he was riding his bike on Wednesday visited the boy in the hospital and gifted him a new bike, Bentley's mother said.
Jennifer Roberts said the man "felt super bad about the whole situation" and reached out to her about visiting Bentley in the hospital. She said the man and the company he works for bought Bentley a new bike that makes motorcycle sounds and has a large flag on it so he can be seen more easily. They also bought him a new helmet that lights up.
"I want the public to know that there are decent people out there and an accident can bring two families together," the man told Roberts.
"He was such a sweet guy to meet and very kindhearted!" Roberts said in a text message. "It was a great opportunity to meet him and know that he's doing OK and relieved that he's doing better after seeing Bentley. Bentley was happy to meet the driver of the accident and is very excited about his new bike."
Bentley was hit while crossing the street at 2600 West and 4400 South around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Roy police spokesman Stuart Hackworth. Roberts said he was riding bikes with a friend at the time. She said the driver stopped for Bentley's friend but didn't see Bentley.
Bentley was taken to an area hospital and then transferred by helicopter to Primary Children's Hospital in critical condition, according to Hackworth.
Roberts said he suffered a lacerated liver and fractures around his pelvis and hips, but said he won't need surgery. The family has set up a GoFundMe* fundraiser to raise money for medical bills and lost wages.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
