By Greg Forester, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — Christopher Dittrich — the high school senior who sustained a serious head injury in a car accident off of Route 571 earlier this week — remained in critical but stable condition Thursday, as the West Windsor community came together in support of the student and his family.
Mass at St. David the King Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday night was said in Christopher’s name, and attendees there said about 30 to 40 high school students were present to demonstrate their support for their fellow student.
Even the municipal government took time aside from a busy schedule of redevelopment discussions Monday night. West Windsor Township Council President Will Anklowitz called for a moment of silence at this week’s council meeting.
Christopher has remained in the recovery room at Capital Health System’s Fuld Campus following the accident, in which his car drove off of the busy roadway Monday morning and struck a tree.
At West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South, most of the seniors have departed for their annual senior trip to Disney World, but administration officials there said Christopher is sorely missed at the school.
One of Christopher’s admirers there, Assistant Principal Robert Banks, had nothing but positive things to say about Christopher.
”Chris is an outstanding student, overall,” said Mr. Banks. “He is well-liked, a friend to everyone.”
Christopher had good grades as well, and is very active with the school’s Student Council, according to Mr. Banks.
”He is just a fine young man,” he said.
Besides High School South, an outpouring of support has also made itself felt at the hospital, where Christopher was initially taken and is currently recovering from emergency surgery.
”There had been a wonderful showing of student and staff who have come down and spoken to his parents,” said district spokeswoman Gerri Hutner. “His parents are very appreciative of all the support and are asking for no visitors at this time.”
After receiving emergency treatment at the scene from medics from West Windsor Township and Capital Health System, Christopher was rushed to the Fuld Campus following the 11 a.m. Monday accident.
He immediately underwent emergency surgery and has been placed under observation for the rest of the week, Ms. Hutner said.
Medical personnel at Helene Fuld have closely watched Christopher during the 72-hour period after the initial accident, according to Ms. Hutner.
”The first 72 hours are a very important period after any traumatic brain injury,” Ms. Hutner said.
Police from both West Windsor Township and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office were continuing their investigation of the accident Thursday.
They said apparently Christopher’s Toyota Scion had left the eastbound lanes of Route 571, crossed the westbound lanes, and gone off the roadway near the Windsor Green Golf Center.
After leaving the roadway his car struck several trees, and first responders found Christopher unconscious and stuck inside the wreckage of the vehicle, from which he was extricated.
Most of the impacts were on the passenger side of the vehicle. There were no passengers in the car.
Christopher was wearing his seat belt, police said.
