Injured Teen Making 'Amazing' Progress

It's been nearly a month since 17-year-old Tanner Firlotte sustained on State Route 169 at S.E. 416th Street.

In the last 10 days, his progress has been pretty spectacular, said Monica Bainter, a family friend who also serves on committees for two local scout troops which Tanner belongs to.

Beginning around October 7, said Bainter, he has become increasingly more aware and has opened his eyes, responding to things and is beginning to speak. During rehabilitation work last Monday, he was speaking, reading signs and identifying people in photos.

"We visited him yesterday [Friday] and were able to talk about past Scout trips, hikes and last Springs adventures on their Mt. Rainier attempts," Bainter wrote in an email to Patch. "Physically he still has some broken bones that are healing, he should be cleared to put weight on his hip and start walking around in a couple of weeks, something he is definitely looking forward to."

Tanner's accident has attracted the attention of both folks in town wishing to help as well as local lawmakers who are looking into what can be done to make the site of his collision safer for other drivers. (Read about and recent inquiries to the WSDOT).

Patch reader Kellie Andersen commented in an earlier update, "It would be nice to see a story about him and perhaps let us know how we as a community can help out this family."

Your request has been noted, Kellie, and we're working on catching up with Tanner's father to learn more about the road ahead for Tanner. Meanwhile, Vince Firlotte wrote to Patch about the community outpouring of support: "We have felt an unbelievable about of community support.  Our family is doing well and have more friends than we ever imagined to help with errands etc.  We have good medical insurance and otherwise are set financially."