An outpouring of support is growing for a Sherwood Park family after a collision earlier this week sent an Edmonton restaurateur and his baby to hospital.
Ryan Brodziak was walking in his Glen Allan neighborhood Tuesday with his 11-month-old son Ozzy and his dog Gouda when the accident happened.
An undated photo of Ryan Brodziak and his son Ozzy Brodziak.
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Strathcona County RCMP said a vehicle traveling north on Georgian Way collided with two pedestrians and a pet on the sidewalk.
“A 36-year-old man and an 11-month-old child were taken to hospital with serious injuries, while their dog suffered minor injuries and was taken to the vet,” the police statement said.
The vehicle came to a stop in a front yard and the driver was not injured, investigators said.
A GoFundMe set up for the family said Brodziak is in intensive care with a significant spinal cord injury, while Ozzy has a fractured skull and a broken arm and is in the Stollery. Gouda has been released from the emergency vet.
“Now Ryan, his wife Bailey, their baby Ozzy and Gouda need our help. Regardless of the long-term prognosis, the road to recovery will be long and challenging for the Brodziak family,” the fundraiser said.
“Ryan touched many lives. He is a loving husband, a new father and one of the kindest souls you could ever meet.
An undated photo of Ryan Brodziak, his wife Bailey and his son Ozzy.
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An update on Friday said it was on behalf of Ryan’s wife. Bailey said he has been out of surgery and has not regained any mobility, and his prognosis remains uncertain. Their son was healing well and would soon be released from Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, the newspaper said.
“Bailey remains in hospital and is splitting her time between the intensive care unit and the pediatric ward to be with Ryan and Ozzy as they continue their recovery. The family is deeply overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and is incredibly grateful for each of you,” the GoFundMe said.
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As of Friday evening, the fundraiser had raised more than $240,000.
The GoFundMe said the money will support the family while Ryan is unable to work and Bailey remains on maternity leave.
Global News contacted family members, who said they are still in shock and awaiting word from doctors with an update on Brodziak’s condition.
Brodziak is known in the Edmonton restaurant scene for operations like the Local Omnivore, Pink Gorilla and Gravy Burger and Fries.
Brodziak even appeared on Global News Morning Weekend to promote his restaurants (see below.)
Tyson Boyd, owner of The Starlite Room, met Brodziak 15 years ago when they were both new to the industry.
“Ryan is one of the most genuinely nice guys and absolutely positive. Just hearing that he was with his son and dog is devastating,” Boyd said.
Boyd says Brodziak has always lent a helping hand during their time together as restaurateurs.
An undated photo of Ryan Brodziak and his dog Gouda.
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Boyd adds it’s heartwarming to see Edmontonians and beyond supporting Brodziak.
“Ryan’s had a huge impact on a lot of locally independent businesses, restaurants and the music scene. He developed his restaurants at about the same time we were developing ours,” Boyd explained.
“He’s made quite a splash among a number of local, independent restaurants, just because he’s that type of guy. Be supportive. I’m coming down. Being able to talk about certain products or things in general – he’s just a very supportive guy,” Boyd said.
Brodziak is the brother of former Edmonton Oilers player Kyle Brodziak. Kyle posted a message online encouraging people to donate to help with Ryan’s recovery.
The St. Louis Blues, for which Kyle once played, and the Blues Alumni group each donated $5,000 to the cause.
The Oilers Entertainment Group said it heard about the collision Friday morning and that something was in the works to support the family. The Oilers also donated $10,000 to GoFundMe.
An undated photo of Ryan Brodziak and his son Ozzy Brodziak.
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