Gary Krueger II

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Starting over because I did it wrong the first time! 
On Sunday, December 1st, Gary was injured by a tree that fell on him while plowing snow during the 31inch blizzard. He was wearing his helmet but was pinned on his ATV under the tree. He was able to dial 911 but was not able to free himself. Our neighbor was notified of the accident by a friend who was listening on a scanner, and she walked over in snow that was probably deeper than she is tall (sorry Courtney!) to stay with him until more help arrived. She got him blankets and reassured him that help was coming. Washburn Fire and EMS responders started trying to get in on foot, bike, and snowshoe. There was great difficulty getting back to our house and finding the right equipment to get him out. Bayfield and Ashland county dispatchers, Ashland Fire, and Washburn law enforcement/EMS all worked diligently to finally get him out to the road about 4 hours after his initial 911 call. Staff at MMC were ready to stabilize him, warm him, and try to find a ride. His partners from the Ashland county Sheriff's Department sent someone to sit with him since I was stuck working at St. Mary's all weekend in the blizzard. I work at both MMC and St. Mary's so it was great to know friends were going to be caring for us start to finish. Gary got to Duluth around 4pm thanks to Great Divide. We had a short time in the ER, a quick MRI, and then surgery. 
Gary has 3 fractured vertebrae, T12, L1, and L2. He had rods and screws placed to stabilize his spinal column and also has multiple fractures ribs. His helmet probably saved his life. He has a lot of pain and odd sensations in his legs, especially the right leg. The surgeons do not know yet what the outcome will be but they have told us the do not see any evidence that would say for certain that Gary will not regain use of his legs. We are thankful he is alive and that he did not sustain other serious injuries.
 Gary has been very involved in the community over the years so we have received hundreds of calls, messages, and texts. We are seeing them and thank you foe all the prayers, love and support. It will be a long road but we are prepared for it and are just grateful our life together was not ended on Sunday.