Yukoners rally to help collision victim, family
Small town Whitehorse has raised big money for one of its citizens in need.
Small town Whitehorse has raised big money for one of its citizens in need.
Jamie McLelland, 48, was the driver of a compact car that collided with a transport truck on the Alaska Highway at Burns Road on May 27.
After suffering serious head injuries and a punctured lung, he was taken to Whitehorse General Hospital, where doctors operated on him before he was flown to Vancouver.
Now, McLelland is in Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver with his wife, Jeanette, and two sons.
He was put into a medically induced coma to ensure his energy could go toward healing.
Amy Riske, a friend of theirs, started an online crowdfunding campaign on Wednesday to help the family offset some of the immediate and long-term costs.
As of noon today, more than $23,000 has been raised in 219 donations—and is continuing to climb.
In just one day, the amount is only about $2,000 short of its $25,000 goal. The page has been shared nearly 60 times over social media.
Riske posted a note on the GoFundMe page, writing that Jeanette is “overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone’s generosity and had no idea that the fund had grown so quickly.”
According to Jeanette, the healing process in Vancouver could take at least six weeks. His two sons visit daily, and have apparently been a good distraction.
Today, Riske posted an update from Jeanette on the campaign website:
“Jamie remains unconscious and in the ICU. Tomorrow they will remove the breathing tube from his mouth and put a ‘trach’ in to make it more comfortable for him.
“While he does have pneumonia, the doctors are not concerned about it and anticipate that he will be able to fight it off given his healthy body.
“Jeanette is taking all of this day by day and I know she appreciates everyone’s prayers, positive energy and generosity.”
A northbound Kenworth tractor-trailer collided with McLelland’s Toyota Yaris.
Witnesses said the truck was moving within the speed limit and had the right-of-way when the car moved into the northbound lane, causing the crash.
The truck driver was not injured.
Comments (15)
Up 2 Down 0
Ashley on Jun 13, 2015 at 12:06 pm
Everyone that's writing negative comments should be ashamed of themselves. How would you feel if this happened to someone in your family? Have a little consideration and compassion.
Up 21 Down 9
Salar on Jun 9, 2015 at 12:25 pm
I hope this father and husband gets back to good health.....because THAT is what is important.
Up 21 Down 10
Just Say'in on Jun 8, 2015 at 8:44 pm
@Westof Belfast I didn't say he was using his Cell Phone. Read it again. I said this is the same as. Inattentiveness no matter what the reason is not grounds for my sympathy or support. Drinking and driving is no worse. This is a matter of a person who caused an accident due to their bad decisions. Full Stop.
Up 13 Down 7
WoB you have no idea what you are Sayin'. on Jun 8, 2015 at 5:01 pm
@WoB
Nobody is saying the car driver was using a cell phone. Pay attention and read slowly for comprehension.
Up 9 Down 17
WestofBelfast on Jun 8, 2015 at 3:23 pm
Just Sayin: How do you know he was using a cell phone? It appears that you have no idea what you are Sayin'. Disgusting that you would make this comment.
Up 26 Down 12
north_of_60 on Jun 8, 2015 at 3:22 pm
Any sympathy should be directed at the transport truck driver. The driver was at work doing their job, obeying the traffic laws, minding their own business, when an inattentive driver pulled an illegal stunt and drove his car into their truck. If he had hit another car the result could have been serious injury or death to the other vehicle occupants.
Up 29 Down 22
Just Say'in on Jun 8, 2015 at 1:54 pm
The reason this person is not receiving a ton of support is that he is not the victim. He is the perpetrator. He could have killed many people with his inattention. That is why Cell phone accidents are so horrendous. They are crimes of inattention that harm others.
Up 31 Down 14
Stan Collins on Jun 8, 2015 at 11:00 am
It seems almost too easy for people to make negative comments.
I can see venting against government or city council but not at the expense a person involved in an accident. Its hurtful and not appropriate.
Up 46 Down 19
Carole on Jun 7, 2015 at 7:23 am
Instead of unhelpful comments regarding who was right or wrong, fact of the matter is this family needs our support and encouraging words. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Up 35 Down 28
Brenda Dion on Jun 6, 2015 at 10:30 pm
Stop the mean and unnecessary comments......that you are posting and not owning. Shame on you. Have some care and compassion.....
Up 39 Down 15
Just Say'in on Jun 6, 2015 at 3:31 pm
If that truck, which was hauling Flammables had caught fire or exploded there would have been many lives lost including the Truck Driver. This driver has been traumatized and deserves more then a little consideration in these discussions and certainly some better reporting of the facts.
Up 33 Down 32
Elaine Swinton on Jun 6, 2015 at 1:55 pm
The article states that the tractor-trailer had the right-of-way but does it really matter at this point, who was "in the wrong?" A fine young man/husband/father/friend is fighting for his life. That is what matters and what should be focused on now.
Up 26 Down 20
Elaine and Hugh Swinton on Jun 5, 2015 at 9:40 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sending all our love.
Up 31 Down 34
David on Jun 5, 2015 at 6:17 pm
I totally get that this was a tragedy for the family, but wasn't this guy in the wrong from the sounds of things?
Up 39 Down 10
north_of_60 on Jun 5, 2015 at 5:43 pm
@Almie "A northbound Kenworth tractor-trailer collided with McLelland’s Toyota Yaris. "
That erroneously implies blame on the tractor-trailer driver.
According to the facts of the case it was McLelland’s Toyota Yaris that collided with a northbound Kenworth tractor-trailer that was "moving within the speed limit and had the right-of-way" in it's lane.