Support Ben's Healing Journey

On June 18th my nephew, Benjamin John Kidd, was critically injured at work. He was working in the Lafayette Tunnel on Highway 61 near Two Harbors, MN when the scissor lift, he and a coworker were in was hit by a vehicle causing Ben to be thrown 20 feet down to the road. Ben was airlifted to Essentia Health in Duluth, MN with critical injuries requiring him to have emergent surgery for a tracheostomy to secure an airway. Some of his injuries include a brain bleed, facial fractures, pulmonary contusions, hemothorax, fractured pelvis and sternum, a severely broken femur and elbow with tendon damage as well as multiple lacerations and bruising. Ben has required two surgeries so far.

We want to extend our gratitude towards the skilled Essentia Health team and for all the thoughts and prayers given by so many caring people.

The next part of Ben’s journey will be the long road of recovery. He has been unable to walk more than a few steps without assistance and will need weeks of intense inpatient rehabilitation.

Determination, kindness, and strength is what Ben is known for. Ben is a veteran and served in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman. He served in the 25th infantry regiment.

Over the past year, Ben had been passionately training for Grandma’s marathon. He was on track to run a 3:30:00 marathon when this tragedy occurred just days before the race. While this should have been a day of pride and achievement, his family and friends instead spent it praying for his survival.

Ben also attended Lake Superior College and recently graduated with an Associate of Arts degree and was an electrical apprentice in the local IBEW 242 union. Ben had also just gotten a puppy, and they instantly created a loving bond. He was looking forward to a summer of puppy adventures and training.

Any money donated will be used to help secure Ben’s future as it is uncertain when he will be able to return to work and the limitations he could face. Ben and his family are appreciative for all the support, prayers and thoughts sent. More than anything we are all just grateful that Ben survived and is on the path to healing.