Sara McCollums recalls clutching a $50 bill in her hand as she was rode her bike to a city convenience store late Friday night.

At that time, the most important thing on her mind was getting some Marlboro cigarettes. But, her course was stopped abruptly by a hit-and-run driver.

McCollums, still hospitalized with significant injuries Monday, lives in West Sunbury but had been visiting her boyfriend’s aunt, who lives on Cunningham Street.

Dressed in a grey tank top, bright, neon green plaid shorts but no helmet, the 20-year-old McCollums said she jumped on her bike, clutched the cash and started peddling to the store.

Just before midnight, McCollums’ bike was struck by a vehicle while crossing the segment of Chestnut Street between Jefferson and Cunningham streets.

She remembers seeing a larger, white vehicle approaching, but doesn’t recall whether or not the driver stopped afterward, saying she’s since heard two different accounts.

Jim Kaufman, captain of the Butler City Fire Department, said McCollums seemed unsure what had happened when firefighters arrived. But bystanders reported seeing a white van hit McCollums and continue driving.

City Police Chief Ron Brown said only that the incident still is under investigation.

McCollums was transported to Butler Memorial Hospital by ambulance, then later flown by LifeFlight medical helicopter to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

She suffered bleeding in her brain, a fractured skull, and several broken bones, including her right collar bone and ankle. She went into surgery for foot injuries over the weekend.

Still in the hospital’s intensive care unit Monday, McCollums said she is expected to spend a week in the hospital.

In addition to being fuzzy on the details of the crash, McCollums --- a single mother --- said, “I don’t know what happened to my $50.”