JAMES CITY COUNTY — On the evening of Sept. 28, Susan and Kevin Whitehurst went shopping for movie snacks at the Harris Teeter in Lightfoot. As they reached their vehicle in the parking lot and began loading the groceries, the couple was suddenly struck by a car traveling at a speed of up to 40 mph.
Both were seriously injured after they were violently tossed by the impact as the driver of the car that hit them fled the scene. That person was arrested shortly after by James City County Law Enforcement and is facing several charges.
The Whitehurst family has asked that the name of the driver not be used and stressed that this was a random attack.
“I do not want to create a fear factor of insanity. There was no reason, no why behind why we were targeted,” Susan explained.
The couple, just released from the Trauma Care Unit at Riverside Hospital where both had surgeries for their injuries, are recovering at home.
Susan said their healing process will be lengthy — it will be at least 10 weeks before either should put any weight on their legs/hips. Not to mention the upcoming court hearings, additional doctor visits and loss of work.
And yet, through this horrific experience, they chose to focus on the kindness and positivity that has surrounded them in the aftermath.
Susan recalls how several good samaritans rushed to their aid as she and her husband were lying on the ground. One even ran through the dark parking lot, potentially risking his own life, to obtain the license plate information.
“The outpouring of kindness from family, friends and strangers — which is kind of perplexing to me, that people that don’t know us have been so generous.” Susan continued through what she called ‘happy tears,’ “The flowers, balloons, neighbors offering to walk my dogs, food and everybody that knows me has been knocking on the door asking, ‘what they can I do? I am here for you. I want to help.’ It’s a lot to take in. I didn’t expect it to be this big, I guess.”
A GoFundMe was set up by the couple’s middle son to assist with paying bills and cover expenses incurred while they recover.
“I have given to GoFundMe’s before, when people have asked me and I knew who they are and I know they need help, but it never occurred to me to go seek it out when someone needs help that you don’t know. The anonymous donations, and people that aren’t even connected to us, that have been so generous is mind-blowing!” exclaimed Susan.
Susan said she is lucky that she will be able to continue running the company she and her husband own, Cleaning Service Company, from her home with the assistance of her team.
“I have been very fortunate to have a network of people that work for and with me that are like family. I have always had the business model that ‘good people can manage themselves’ so, I don’t micromanage,” said Susan. “And, they do a good job! My employees have just been unbelievable. They are all stepping in and doing extra stuff- beyond their regular job.”
As for the person who attacked them, Susan said, “Mental health, I am assuming, is a factor into the why this person did this. And mental health being a top focus on what I want to come from this.”
“If somebody needs help of some sort — being able to ask for it from friends, family, co-workers, random strangers even — because one of the things (the driver) said in their statement was they felt like no one cared for them. And, he didn’t care about anybody because no one cared for him. That is what he told the police in the report,” Susan’s voice cracked as she said, “That’s not the case. People can care about him. Even people that do not know him. I am sorry he did not get the help he needed before this happened. Because I feel like this could have had a different outcome.”
Surrounded by her family, friends and four dogs, Susan says she is just grateful for every small blessing.