On January 15, 2026, my dad Richard was out for a motorcycle ride in Lewis County when a large white vehicle either ran a stop sign or pulled out in front of him. We are not sure if he made direct impact with the vehicle or if he was able to avoid it and lay the bike down while traveling around 40 MPH. Either way, he was thrown through a fence and landed in a ditch while the driver fled the scene.

From that ditch, badly injured, my dad somehow managed to call 911 himself.

Emergency crews quickly realized the severity of his injuries and airlifted him to the trauma unit at Tacoma General Hospital.

That day began a fight for his life that is still ongoing.

Richard suffered over a dozen broken bones, including three vertebrae, multiple ribs, fractures in his knee, and devastating injuries to his lower left leg and foot. He endured a seven-hour stabilization surgery on January 15, followed by additional surgeries to repair his right wrist and hand and to amputate his left pinky. Since then, he has undergone multiple additional procedures to remove necrotic tissue as his trauma surgical team, orthopedic surgeon, and vascular specialist work to determine whether his lower left leg can be saved or if amputation will be necessary.

Right now, he is fully aware of everything happening around him. He is in tremendous pain, but the prayers, calls, and messages have truly lifted his spirits.

If his leg can be saved, he faces 7 to 9 more surgeries over the coming months and an estimated 8 to 10 months of recovery and rehabilitation. If amputation is necessary, his rehabilitation timeline is still 6 to 9 months as he adapts to a completely new normal.

He spent his 73rd birthday in the Critical Care Unit.

Who Richard Is

My dad is a loving, devoted family man and an incredibly supportive husband. He has been married to his wife Donica for 41 years. Right now, one of the things weighing heaviest on him is the stress and worry he feels for her health and well-being during all of this.

He is a 38-year Elma Police veteran who dedicated his life to protecting and serving his community. He has fostered children and animals, helped anyone in need, and has always been the person others turn to when they need someone to listen.

He is kind, easy to talk to, and full of life experience and wisdom to share.

What is hardest for him right now is the thought of losing his independence, not being able to provide for his family, and being away from the four Saint Bernards and cats he adores at home.

If he knew I was doing this, he would say, “Honey, there are people worse off than me. I’m not that important.”

But to us, he is everything.

The Reality We Are Facing

My dad was working full-time before this accident and he may never be able to return to work. He is currently using his vacation pay while applying for state assistance just to keep up with monthly bills. Donica and her sister Lydia are taking turns caring for the animals, handling daily household chores, and making the 3-hour round trip drive to be with him at the hospital.

Their home is not equipped for wheelchairs, scooters, or the level of disability he will be returning home with. They will need ramps, bathroom renovations, and many modifications we likely have not even thought of yet.

Although he carries uninsured motorist coverage, that policy will not begin covering medical costs until the case is settled. For now, he is relying on his employer’s medical insurance, and we do not know how long that coverage will last.

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office is still actively investigating this hit and run. The area where this occurred is very rural with little in the way of cameras or witnesses. If you have any information that could help, please contact the Sheriff’s Office directly.

How You Can Help

Funds raised will go toward:

• Mortgage and car payments

• Utilities, groceries, and animal food

• Medical insurance and medical bills

• Home renovations to make the house safe and accessible

• Supporting the long road of rehabilitation ahead

If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser means just as much to our family.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, for caring, for praying, and for supporting my dad during the hardest chapter of his life.

With gratitude,

Melanie