Prineville, Ore. – A 16-year-old foreign exchange student was hospitalized Tuesday evening after being struck while crossing Lynn Boulevard on an electric bicycle near Crook County High School.
According to Prineville Police Sgt. Daniel Pelayo, the student, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to St. Charles Prineville. Police said the driver of the vehicle was not at fault, remained on scene, and fully cooperated with authorities. Emergency crews from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Prineville Police Department, Crook County Fire & Rescue, and numerous school staff members responded to the incident.
Pelayo said police were especially thankful for the assistance of Crook County High School officials who were quickly on scene. Crook County School District Superintendent Dr. Joel Hoff was also present, later telling the Prineville Review, “We are deeply grateful for the swift and professional response of the Prineville Police Department and Crook County Fire and Rescue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the student and we will continue to be in communication with the student’s family to support in every way possible.”
Hoff said yesterday that he could not immediately confirm whether the student’s family had been formally notified, or if notice was made through embassy or State Department channels in lieu.
The Prineville Review later spoke directly with the student, Holger Christiansen, and one of his host parents, Kayla Bradford. Christiansen, who is from Denmark, said he had been struck while on his way home from soccer practice. He currently plays for Crook County High School’s junior varsity soccer team.
Numerous claims on social media, including some since deleted, had inaccurately claimed that Holger’s injuries were far more severe, leading to a lot of local concern for Christiansen. Bradford said she had followed some of the social media discussion, but they and Holger were hopeful to ensure everyone knew he was doing better in light of the accident.
Christiansen, who first started playing soccer in Denmark at age 7 or 8, recently returned to the sport after arriving in Prineville as a foreign exchange student in August.
Speaking from home after being discharged from the hospital, Christiansen said, “Well, to be honest, I don’t remember much of the care I got yesterday. I don’t really remember the emergency room, but when I woke up, they seemed really nice, the doctors.“
He confirmed that his injuries included a lacerated right foot, a fractured thumb, and a concussion, in addition to “scrapes”, or what Bradford explained as “road rash”.
“The most annoying part right now is, honestly, just the scrapes,” Christiansen said jokingly.
Christiansen said his parents in Denmark were relieved to hear the injuries were not more severe, and had some “peace of mind” after speaking with him. He and Bradford both emphasized that wearing a helmet made all the difference.
Bradford expressed some concern that her family has since it was their first time hosting a foreign exchange student.
“I have a husband, Justin, and I have a son, Corbin, who is 11. And you know, Holger lives with all of us here and our dogs,” said Bradford. “We certainly questioned whether or not we were good host parents when our exchange student went into the ER last night, but seeing him up and moving today and smiling is making us feel a lot better about it.
Despite the scare, Christiansen said he is still enjoying his exchange experience. “I love the people here, they are really friendly,” he said with a smile. He also expressed his appreciation for the care from the Bradfords, especially after the accident.
Pelayo also used the incident as a reminder to local youth. “The injuries sustained were significantly less because he was wearing a helmet,” he said. “Wear your helmet, and look both ways before crossing a street.”
Mr. Alderman is an investigative journalist specializing in government transparency, non-profit accountability, consumer protection, and is a subject mater expert on Oregon’s public records and meetings laws. As a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, he brings a disciplined investigative approach to his reporting that has frequently exposed ethics violations, financial mismanagement, and transparency failures by public officials and agencies.
