On June 13th, Bryan and Jen Black’s world changed in an instant. The owners of Ponderay Auto Care in Ponderay were on their usual motorcycle ride near Bull Lake, MT when a deer ran into their path. The impact sent them into a ditch and threw them from their bike.
Both Bryan and Jen were seriously injured. They were taken to the Libby hospital but due to the severity of their injuries, both were later life-flighted to Kalispell for surgery.
Jen suffered a compound fracture in her left leg, a bruised liver, and bruised ribs. She had surgery on June 14th to place a rod in her leg. Bryan sustained a fractured pelvis, six fractured ribs, a broken wrist, and a laceration on his nose. He also had surgery, with two long rods placed to stabilize his pelvis. Right now, neither of them can put weight on their legs.
Jen is finally home but can’t get around much without help. Their son Tyler has been amazing in assisting her as much as he can, while also helping out at the shop with small jobs. Bryan is recovering in a nursing facility in Sandpoint.
If you know Bryan and Jen, you know how much they give to this community. They’re the first to help a neighbor, the kind of people who stay late at the shop to make sure your car is safe for your family. Now they need us.
With both of them unable to work, Ponderay Auto Care is only taking in small jobs and limited hours. Medical bills are already beyond what insurance will cover, and there’s no income coming in. Recovery will be long, Physical therapy, medical equipment, travel to appointments, and everyday living costs are adding up fast.
We’re asking our community to rally around them and help in any way you can. Every donation, no matter the size, takes a little weight off their shoulders. And if you can’t give financially, sharing this page and keeping them in your thoughts means more than you know.
Bryan and Jen have a tough road ahead, but they are fighters. Let’s make sure they don’t have to fight alone. Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your support.
**UPATE from Jen**
Happy independence day to all❣️❤️
Well, yesterday (7/3) marked 3 weeks from the accident. It was a mixed emotions day! Bryan was finally able to come home frome the care center❣️
But unfortunately before Tyler went to pick him up, we had to take our beloved old Princess Ziva, to the vet to send her over the bridge. It was unexpected and extremely difficult. We are completely heart broken!
I don't know if it was mentioned in previous posts, but I lost my wedding ring at the accident scene, and today I realized I have also lost the necklace Bryan got me for mother's day!
Soooo many emotions are running rampant right now, it's hard to say sane.
A BIG thank you to everyone for you thoughts, prayers, shares & support❣️ It nice to know we have so many amazing people behind us❣️