SEATTLE — Police are searching for three people they believe may be involved in a serious hit-and-run crash that ended with a well-known Seattle man in the hospital.
That man is known to many on the internet as "Fluffy the Dragon," popular for spreading joy while riding his motorcycle in the city.
Patrick Baer said he was the victim of a hit-and-run crash earlier this month that has now left him on a journey to recovery.
"It's better than being dead,” said Baer. “But it's not ideal."
Baer is bearing through the pain of not being able to do what makes him happy.
"It makes a lot of people happy and it's really the only job in my life that makes me happy and makes other people happy, too,” said Baer. “So, I think it's a winning formula."
That formulates into "Fluffy the Dragon," Baer's alter ego that's usually seen joyfully riding his motorcycle.
“You're dressed up as a Fluffy dragon you know singing, and dancing,” said Baer. “Well, you know, I'm not going to be dancing, but I'm definitely going to be singing."
Baer's Instagram account has more than 200,000 followers showcasing his adventures on the Seattle streets. But for the last three weeks, Baer has traded in his costume, for crutches and a medical boot.
"There was just blood everywhere,” said Baer. “At the end of the day I'm just grateful to be alive."
Baer said on August 3 a speeding green Honda crashed into him in the Mount Baker neighborhood. He now has several broken bones in his foot, fractured ribs and a broken jaw.
"I threw on my front brakes as quickly as I could,” said Baer. “The next thing I know I was basically backwards 10 feet from the intersection on the ground coughing up blood and in a lot of pain."
Police said witnesses saw three people, two males and a female, in the Honda running away from the scene. The owner of the car then reported it stolen.
"I hope that whoever did this … hopefully it'll be their wake-up call and their road to better their life and learn from it," said Baer.
Baer's learned to never take life for granted. He expects to be fully recovered and back riding early next year.
"Find their passion and pursue it,” said Baer. “Because your life is short, and you might as well do something you love."
The community created an online fundraiser for Baer, to help him pay for his medical expenses.