One week ago, Zach nearly died in a terrifying accident. He was driving up Highway 70 to Taylorsville to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family when, just past the Pulga bridge, a rear tire on his Honda CRV blew out. The car careened toward the Feather River, bouncing off boulders and trees before landing upside down in the freezing water. Locked in by his seatbelt and likely unconscious, Zach began to drown. Miraculously, drivers behind him leapt into action, scrambling down the 250-foot cliff to reach the car. These heroes cut him free from the wreckage and began life-saving procedures within minutes. Emergency teams soon arrived, lifting Zach up the canyon with ropes and rushing him by ambulance to a life flight helicopter, which transported him to Enloe Hospital.

At home, his family had started to worry about his late arrival. His parents drove down the highway to look for him, only to come upon the accident scene. By then, Zach was in the Neurological Trauma Surgical ICU. Fearing brain damage, doctors lowered his body temperature and intubated him after he had inhaled water from the river. Against all odds, Zach’s recovery was another miracle—no broken bones, no major lacerations, and no permanent brain trauma. He was released four days later, still in pain but grateful to be home. Throughout it all, Zach never lost his sense of humor or independent spirit.

Now, we hope to make this ‘after’ period easier for him by easing the financial burden of the incident. While he has medical and car insurance, there are many expenses that won’t be covered: the helicopter and ambulance rides, lost wages, medical deductibles, buying a new car, and replacing his belongings—including his beloved CD collection and clothes. We all know stories of the Highway 70 canyon—most do not have happy endings, but we are so grateful for this miracle. Zach is always there for others in their time of need, available in a flash to help his community. Now he and his family need our support. If you can donate during this time, it would mean the world to us.