NC State student hospitalized after Hilton Head hit-and-run; friends raise money

HILTON HEAD, S.C. (WTOC) - His friends say they watched the impact, then watched the driver disappear into the night.

North Carolina State University college student Brayden Bulger is fighting to recover after a hit-and-run on Hilton Head Island, and his fraternity brothers say they witnessed the crash and are now raising money to help with his recovery.

South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the hit-and-run, which happened just around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, on Palmetto Bay Road near Dunnagan’s Alley.

Friends of N.C. State sophomore Bulger said he was walking across the road with them when a vehicle struck him and did not stop.

“And we just see him get hit and just go flying and he skidded like 15 to 20 feet,” said Jake Glen, Bulger’s friend. “We ran to him… his face was all bloody… it was pretty rough.”

Bulger is a finance student at North Carolina State University. His Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity brothers described him as upbeat and well-liked.

“Positive all the time, smart guy, one of the higher GPA’s in the fraternity,” said Gavin Laton, the chapter president.

“I would say, everyone in Sig Ep knew Brayden, they all love him,” said Brennan Greene, another friend.

Bulger remains hospitalized with severe injuries, and his friends said they started a GoFundMe to help support his recovery. They said the fundraiser has already raised more than $40,000.

“When we saw this happen, we were thinking of any way to help the situation,” Greene said. “Brayden’s in the hospital, he’s not coherent right now… and this seemed like the best idea.”

Security cameras at a nearby business captured video of the crash. Troopers are looking for the driver of a silver or gray SUV with front-end damage.

“Turn yourself in,” said Sam Ter Linde, Bulger’s friend. “I don’t know how you can live with this conscience doing this to someone.”

South Carolina Highway Patrol said the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact SCHP.

The GoFundMe link can be found below: