Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to share what’s been happening with my little brother, Ben Watts. On November 18, 2025, nearly three weeks ago, Ben was involved in a severe logging accident at work that left him with life threatening spine and hip injuries requiring him to be transported to Harborview Medical Center the day of the accident.

Since his intake, Ben has remained in the ICU and undergone two spine surgeries to repair several shattered vertebrae, hip surgery to repair a serious fracture in his hip joint, and intestinal surgery to help his body clear fluids. His recovery has been complicated by pneumonia, an infection to his spine surgery wound, and ongoing intestinal complications that have left him bedridden during his stay in the ICU. Though he shows signs of steady improvement, progress is slow and difficult, and it's still not known when he will be transferred out of the ICU, let alone return home to his family in Concrete.

Through it all, Ben has stayed remarkably strong in spirit but he could truly use the support of our community during this difficult time.

We are fortunate and incredibly grateful that he is still with us and has not shown symptoms of paralysis; however, the road ahead will be long, challenging, and painful. It may take years of hard work and physical therapy before his life returns normal, during which time Ben's ability to work and provide for his family and his own medical needs may be limited.

With Christmas approaching, the emotional and financial strain is being felt not only by Ben but also by his girlfriend, Allyson, his parents, and their large, loving family. We are raising funds to help ease the burden of lost income, future unexpected medical expenses, living costs, and the ongoing travel expenses for Allyson as she continues making the trip to the hospital to be by his side.

If you’re able to contribute, we would be deeply grateful. Woods Logging in Woolley is also holding a fundraiser, with a chainsaw as the prize, to support Ben, and we’ll share that link as well for anyone who would like to participate.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for any support you can offer. Whether that's a donation, sharing this message with your community, or simply sending positive thoughts and prayers Ben’s way. Your kindness means more than you know.

Sincerely,

The Watts and Russell Families