Help Michelle & Jeff Overcome Tragic Accident

Hello Family and Friends,

As you may or may not have heard yet, my sister Michelle, her husband Jeff, and his mom (“Mikey” Elliott) were involved in a head-on car crash on May 31st in Florida. Jeff and Michelle were seriously injured, and Mikey did not survive.

They were in FL to move Jeff’s dad into a nursing home, which they did, but he passed away shortly thereafter on May 25th. His mom had just returned home from the hospital & rehab Tues. May 28th. Three nights later, Mikey (his mom) passed away at the hospital due to the crash injuries. With great heaviness, Jeff lost both of his parents within the same week. Mikey was in the front passenger seat. Jeff was driving. He was cut out of the car, but miraculously has already been released from the hospital with injuries in many places including neck, stomach, arms, legs and feet. He is able to walk but not drive. He will remain in Florida until checked out okay to travel.

Michelle was not as lucky as Jeff. She was sitting behind Jeff and sustained multiple areas of injuries including many broken ribs, a nicked artery, some other broken bones, a C6 fracture (not paralyzed), cuts, and tremendous bruising. She was flown flight for life to Tampa Trauma ICU that night and has been there since. I flew down immediately to be with her. My mom arrived a day later, followed by Jeff and Bruce (step-dad) the next evening (Jeff had to wait for Bruce to drive him). It has now been 5 nights since the accident. She is talking, aware of her condition and how they are helping her recover. She had been able to take a hallway walk, but now her oxygen has lowered again so walks are on hold for how.

It has been a roller coaster of emotions with some improvements to then be followed by set-backs. Her body is not cooperating very nicely, so the medical teams are trying to determine which methods are best. They need to get her blood pressure down in order to possibly do other things, but to mainly deter too much pressure on the nicked artery. Part of her injuries are requiring a neck type of brace to be worn for 6-8 weeks. The ribs recovery estimate is at about 3 months. If all goes positive from here, we’ve been told that a good recovery could be 8-12 months. For all that know her, this is quite a blow to how she normally operates. She’s the rock that we all love, and the total go-getter, work-a-holic that gets it ALL done. She is frustrated, scared, and is just wanting a good day without more set-backs. She wants out of the hospital to say the least.

I never imagined that I would be in this position/situation to ever have to write one of these, but it has become very apparent the overwhelming expenses that have already occurred, as well as what is coming, and then finding out that their disabilities through work only cover partial lost wages. They have already taken their work family leave to help Jeff’s parents this year. As of now, they are unaware if the other driver has insurance. It was suggested that a Go-Fund-Me donation page is started to help for resources.

The Ask:

I have a heartfelt ask for support during their recovery for costs and expenses -- so far as well as in the future. Expenses such as: insurance deductibles, Mikey’s newspaper obituaries, funeral & cremation, Jeff’s and family lodging in Tampa to be near Michelle during her stay (no release date determined yet), transportation (airfares, ubers, rental car, gas, etc…the car was totalled), food, new glasses for Jeff (they broke), items that Michelle may need when she is released to recover at home (FL & WI – she won’t be able to fly for a while due to the artery), expenses for who will be able to stay with her during her FL recovery at Jeff’s parent’s house, items or PT that may be needed, then bigger picture/longer term items like lost wages and possibly counseling. I really have no idea what dollar amount to put for a goal, but a Dr. recommended $50,000. That sounds like a big number to me, but I can see just from this week how much has been spent already and lost wages for two people can be a tremendous hit.

How you can make a difference:

Your financial support can help of any amount could help Michelle and Jeff . Any amount would be greatly appreciated.

Share:

Please spread the word. We have not been able to reach all of their co-workers and friends and we ask that you help by sharing this page and fundraiser.

Pray and send well-wishes:

Please keep Michell and Jeff in your prayers for a full and successful recovery. Keep sending positive thoughts and energy their way. They’ve had a nightmare past few weeks.

Thank you and God Bless.

Kimberly Rios (Michelle’s sister)

Click for Link to accident article

Some details from police press release:

2 vehicles: 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 & 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe

GMC turned directly into path of Hyundai

Preliminary report that the crash was not alcohol/drug related and speed was not a factor.

Other vehicle passengers: minor injuries