Joseph Cummings' Medical Expenses

On the late afternoon of January 9, 2021, Joseph, was doing something he loved, riding his snowmobile in the back-country within view of the majestic Tetons. As he was carefully navigating down a slope, a malfunction took place on his machine, suddenly causing the engine to go full-throttle, carrying him brutally into a tree down the slope. His brother (in-law) rushed as quickly as possible through the deep snow to Joseph's side. Joseph was on his back, deep in the snow with his legs above him, pinned between the machine and the tree. Joseph was unconscious and not breathing, but his brother was able remove Joseph's destroyed helmet and resuscitate him, performing CPR. Joseph was struggling for every breath, fluids filling his airway, so his brother pulled Joseph up on himself as carefully as he could to allow Joseph to keep breathing. He held Joseph there, trying to stabilize his neck and keep his head warm. He found Joseph's phone, and from where they lay, got a call out to 911. All he could do was continue to hold Joseph, pray, and wait, listening to his calls for help echo across the mountain. Soon after the accident another friend found them under the tree and together did everything they could to keep Joseph alive and warm. Others on the tops of the ridges nearby responded to the calls of distress on the radio and rushed to aid in Joseph's rescue. Joseph in the snow for more than two hours, awaiting life flight services. Once the helicopter was guided to a clearing down the mountain slope, Joseph had to be dragged through the deep snow, hundreds of feet on a back-board down the mountainside. At the helicopter, more attempts were made to stabilize his condition, but the equipment was freezing and his vitals were declining. His only chance was to get to the hospital. The helicopter took off and rushed Joseph to the nearest hospital in Idaho Falls, where they said they could not do anything for him. From there, he was flown again for intensive treatment at the University of Utah hospital in Salt Lake City.

Joseph suffered many injuries including a fractured skull, several fractured vertebrae, damaged arteries, and endured several strokes. Joseph was left paralyzed from the neck-down. Over the next few days, Joseph fought for his life with teams of people doing everything they could to help him.
After every effort, Joseph succumbed to these terrible injuries on the evening of January 13, surrounded by his loving family.

Less than 5 months ago, Joseph lost his best friend, his 58 year-old father. The months since this happened had been the hardest of his, and his family's lives. Joseph's main focus during this time had been comforting and supporting his mother and family through the loss of their father and friend.

Joseph was active from the time he could walk. At the age of two, he broke off his bicycle training wheels and began building jumps. He continued to excel at motor sports and loved every minute of it. Joseph always said he was "having the time of his life" when snowmobiling. This natural inclination to be physically active continued throughout his life. He physically worked hard in his career and loved it, while also building and sculpting his body in the gym afterwards. He knew the value of a strong body and recognized it was a temple, and did all he could to take great care of his own. He shared his passion for fitness and health with his family and friends, always with a desire to help.

Joseph had a huge heart, and he wore his heart on his sleeve. He truly cared about others and went out of his way to help those in need. Joseph enjoyed giving to others and enjoyed brightening others’ days. He stood up for the little guy while building others and inspiring them to be their very best.

Joseph was a family man. He took great pride in his family and watched over them. He cared for each member of his family and looked for ways to help each in their individual lives. Joseph had a strong and loving relationship with each person in his family. Each one considered Joseph one of their best friends and knew they could rely on him. His family loves him so very dearly and he loved them dearly in return. 

Joseph, you will forever be in our hearts.

All donations will be used for medical expenses and other financial needs. Despite Joseph having health insurance, the costs associated with life-saving efforts are extensive. Joseph's father passed away less than 5 months ago and his family is doing everything they can to cover yet another loss.