CALISTOGA, California. – A popular restaurant waitress in the small community of Calistoga is fighting for her life after being hit by a police vehicle less than two weeks ago.

And now friends, colleagues and her employer are rallying around Brena Sarabio and her family as they too ask questions about the incident.

Sarabio has been unable to work at the Calistoga Depot since she was hit by a sergeant’s car on July 29.

According to her friends and colleagues Itzia Enriquez and Monse Munoz, the 22-year-old suffered a traumatic brain injury and broken bones.

“It was really heartbreaking to see her go through that,” Enriquez said Thursday. “Yeah, that’s not something you wish on someone you really care about.”

On the night of the attack, friends say, Sarabio walked from her house to the gym around 7 p.m.

California Highway Patrol officials said she was in the crosswalk when Calistoga Police Sergeant Kristine Norton turned left in a patrol car and struck her.

“I was at the scene shortly after the accident,” said Brenda’s boyfriend Kenny Werle. “It’s not a big intersection. It’s more of a residential area and it’s daylight.”

He added: “Bad things always happen to the best people.”

Sarabio was flown to the hospital by helicopter.

“She was on life support and they didn’t know if she would survive the night,” said Michael Madden, owner of Calistoga Depot. “She was very lucky that she was able to get a helicopter to the hospital so quickly.”

A Calistoga city spokesman said the police sergeant who collided with Brenda is now on paid leave, as per standard procedure.

The CHP is investigating the accident but has no timeline for when it will complete its findings and determine the cause of the accident.

“The whole city, the people on the ground, are constantly wondering what will happen to the officer. We don’t know what’s going on,” said colleague and friend Monse Munoz.

Friends described Sarabio as kind-hearted and hard-working to support her parents and two younger brothers.

“She helps everyone. If you need help, she will ask you. She always walks around smiling,” Munoz said.

Friends said she showed signs of improvement: she could say a few words and take small steps.

“I just miss my friend, my support. I can’t wait to create more memories like ours,” Enriquez said.

Her friends have started a GoFundMe campaign to support her recovery.

Amber Lee is a reporter at KTVU. Email Amber at [email protected] or text/message her at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU