Mike Klingenberg Accident
Donation protected
I am starting this page for my brother, Mike Klingenberg who was involved in a horrific farming accident. June 29th, Mike started his day doing chores, of which he had to bail hay. He did not think that his life was going to change in a blink of an eye!
He did not know that he was close to the PTO, but soon realized the shaft was devouring his pants and pulling him toward the edge of horror. He had a belt on that was binding in the shaft causing his legs to be wedged against the turning shaft. It pulled him - the top of his thighs were rubbing ferociously against the running PTO shaft and the back of his legs were being pinned and sucked up; his legs were being forced in half. The belt was around the shaft and it was like being attacked and consumed by an anaconda! He was pushing away with all of his might. He finally got his pants loose from the pressure it was putting on his lower back. He managed to get his pants down to his thighs. He kept pushing away, but it kept pulling him in, then it got ahold of his shirt. It was going to start flipping him over the shaft...devouring him. The PTO was hitting his ribs. He thought he was going to die. He yelled, "Oh God!" At that moment he was thrown back like a rag-doll, his clothes blew off of him and he fell to the ground. This all happened in 10 seconds. 10 seconds causing this much pain! But what the PTO gets, it keeps. Simply, PTO accidents result in some of the most ghastly injuries and deaths in farming.
As he lied there bleeding and naked, he did not realize how extensive his injuries really were. Once he got back to the house, he really seen how massive the injuries to his back, legs and ribs were. He did not know what to do, so he went to the closest room and laid down. He laid there in such pain and agony for days. He does not have insurance, so he did natural, at home care.
After a few days, Rachel finally got Mike up. He had old crutches, and tried to stand; of which he realized he could not. His left leg is completely mangled. It is the most HORRIFIC sight I have seen in my entire life. He has massive damage and wounds to his left and right legs (with the worst being on upper thighs), inner part of left arm, lower back and ribs.
He definitely has muscle, ligament, nerve and tendon damage in both legs. He is in SO much pain that it is agonizing! He needs to go to a hospital, but does not have insurance or the money to cover a hospital bill; and the closest hospital is almost 2 hours away for him.
Mike is the main "bread winner" for his family. He has a beautiful wife, Rachel, son Aiden and 3 toddler girls. He depends on work on the farm to support his family. Rachel can only do so much.
We are asking for help! Anything to help cover medical and living expenses during this time for them. Please pray for help, patience, and healing for them.
I will keep people updated as to what is going on with his care.
Thank you again for your support!
Fundraising team: Fundraising team (2)
Amanda Rivera
Organizer
Alston, MI
Michael Klingenberg
Beneficiary
Emily Cornell
Team member