Hit-and-run victim dies from injuries, suspect still sought

BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Staff Writer

The wheelchair-bound man who was hit by a car outside of the Clarkston Specialty Healthcare Center on the night of March 14 has died from his injuries.
Albert Russell Orsette, an 83-year-old resident of Independence Township, then a patient at the facility, passed away on April 8.
Authorities are now offering a $1,000 reward to find the driver of the car, described as a black Chevrolet Monte Carlo or a vehicle with a similar body style with possible red striping or lettering on the front. The vehicle would have front passenger-side damage.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) SPEAK-UP.
Orsette was left with shattered ribs, a punctured lung, a broken collarbone, and several bruises.
A 29-year-old female employee of Clarkston Specialty was also injured in the crash as she was attempting to help move Orsette out of the roadway on Clintonville Road. She was treated and released and is recovering from her injuries.
The incident remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit.
“When we found out that he was struck, it was really shocking,” said John Orsette, Albert’s son, to local news. “My husband had just left, and we just couldn’t understand how something like this could have happened.”
“From what we understand, there were bystanders also that witnessed this, and we were hoping that somebody saw something and would come forward,” added Hedy Orsette, Albert’s daughter-in-law.
As of April 12, no witnesses have responded, and no description has been given of the driver of the Monte Carlo. Due to the lack of video surveillance, the police are relying on the public’s assistance with the case.

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