After a wagon accident at an apple orchard in Lafeyette, Wis., some kindergarten students sustained injuries. One young boy, in particular, suffered life-threatening injuries and had to be airlifted to Minnesota. Luckily, his mother, Angie Mier, has confirmed that he is now on the path to recovery.
On Wednesday, September 18, Angie’s 5-year-old son, Gabe, went on a field trip with his classmates from St. Mark Lutheran School to Bushel and a Peck Apple Orchard. Unfortunately, during their visit, a tragic incident occurred.
A wagon being pulled by a tractor lost control while going downhill, resulting in 25 injuries among the people on board, including children and their chaperones.
According to the explanation provided by the driver, he believes that he applied the brakes to correct the towing issue. However, this action resulted in the wagon jackknifing, causing the decking to detach and flip over, ultimately landing on the passengers.
Three individuals sustained life-threatening injuries, while an additional five suffered serious injuries. Furthermore, nine individuals were transported to the hospital via ambulance. Fortunately, all of the injured parties have since been discharged from medical care.
Gabe suffered from several injuries, which required immediate attention. He was transported by helicopter to Gillette Children’s at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, a level one trauma hospital, to receive treatment for multiple skull fractures, a brain bruise, and three lacerations. Gabe spent several days at the hospital, from September 18th to Sunday, September 22nd, receiving the necessary care.
According to Angie, she, her husband Will, and her father Bob Schmick were all involved in the accident. She mentions that her father had to be taken by ambulance to a different hospital.
“My husband and I are filled with relief to see Gabe’s progress. We understand that he still has a significant journey ahead of him for complete recovery,” she expresses. “It’s comforting to know that he now sleeps soundly through the night and no longer requires someone to be with him. However, he still tires quickly, and his peak energy is within the first two hours of waking up.”
“The love and support my nephew has received from my family and their community is truly a blessing,” expresses Luebeck. “We are overwhelmed by the amount of love and prayers we have received. It’s more than we could have ever imagined.”
Meanwhile, during the same week, Gabe’s older brother, Damien, experienced a tractor accident. Damien shares the same father as Gabe.
According to Hakes, Damien was also transported by helicopter to the same hospital. Hakes mentions that the region is known for its agricultural richness, and students are encouraged to drive tractors to school to highlight their restoration work on older tractors. Unfortunately, while driving a tractor to school, Damien, the older boy, was rear-ended by a car. He spent a week in the hospital before being discharged.
In a recent update on GoFundMe, Amanda shared news about Damien on behalf of Will. According to the update on September 23, Damien will be going home in a wheelchair but will be able to walk with the assistance of someone. Will has chosen not to provide any additional comments to PEOPLE.
As of Monday, September 30th, the fundraising campaign has generated nearly $50,000.
Angie expressed her gratitude to all those who have prayed for her sons, generously donated to support her family, and provided unwavering support during their most challenging moments.
The family firmly believes that God will never burden them with more than they can bear. They find solace in the fact that God has placed immense trust in their family. They believe that God was protecting both of their boys and played a significant role in their safe return home.
Source: People
