In April, while on duty, Cory sustained a concussion while returning loose horses. In May, he responded to a traumatic fatality call, which triggered a seizure-like episode at home, causing him to lose consciousness and hit his head again, breaking his nose and compounding his first head injury. His condition worsened, and he was sent to Miles City via an ambulance, for evaluation. Despite attempts to return to light duty, he continued having episodes and has been out of work since, on doctor's orders.

Cory has had multiple episodes, including one in July that required a second ambulance ride and ER visit. After months of waiting, he saw a neurologist in Bozeman on August 19th, receiving diagnoses of Persistent Post-Concussive Syndrome, Chronic Migraines, and Functional Neurological Disorder. Intensive physical therapy will be his first treatment while he waits for an MRI to rule out any other neurological conditions.

Given these diagnoses, returning to his role as a deputy is unlikely, and for those who know Cory, it's heartbreaking as he has always been deeply committed to his oath to protect and serve not only Powder River County but his country as a military veteran.

While Cory faces this time of adversity with grace and perseverance, the reality is that the road to recovery is going to be a long one and life is coming tight, quick. This GoFundMe has been created to help relieve that burden after losing his health insurance and is off work for the foreseeable future. Funds raised will go directly toward supporting him, covering medical costs, living expenses during recovery, and giving him the space to focus on healing without the concern of any more financial burdens.

If you know Cory, you know he is the epitome of a top hand. He’s never one to shy away from hard things and is one of the first ones there to offer a hand up to someone in need, whether that is through physically being there to help out where needed or knowing when to toss out a perfectly timed comment, filled with humor and wit, to uplift the spirit of someone who needs encouragement- and doing so without expecting anything in return.

Now, it’s our turn to lend a hand.

Every donation helps, and if you can’t give, we understand! Simply sharing this means the world.

Thank you for standing with Cory—your prayers, support, and kindness mean more than you’ll ever know.