An online fundraiser seeks to provide financial assistance for an Onalaska resident severely injured in a reported hit-and-run on Middle Fork Road on Jan. 15.
According to the Give InKind fundraiser, Richard Fletcher was riding his motorcycle “when a white, windowless delivery/construction style van pulled out from (Tauscher) Road” and collided with Fletcher’s motorcycle before Fletcher could attempt to avoid it.
The driver allegedly fled the scene, according to the fundraiser page, leaving Fletcher lying in a ditch until another person reported the accident.
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident occurred at the intersection of Tauscher and Middle Fork at about 2:09 p.m. Jan. 15 and said the case was under investigation.
“We are requesting the public’s assistance in obtaining any nearby surveillance or dash camera footage showing vehicles traveling on Middle Fork Road or Tauscher Road around that time,” the office said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
The news release followed a request for information from The Chronicle. The sheriff’s office did not previously release details of the crash.
The release describes the suspect’s vehicle as an “older white van, last seen traveling eastbound on Middle Fork Road.”
Fletcher’s injuries are catastrophic, according to the fundraiser page.
“Richard sustained a crushed left wrist, multiple fractures in his right wrist, broken tibia and fibula, his foot was severed, among other injuries,” the page states. “He faces an extended hospital stay followed by rehabilitation. Richard will not be able to return to work.”
Fletcher’s spouse, Donica Fletcher, wrote on a public social media forum that Fletcher had been airlifted to Tacoma General Hospital where he underwent seven hours of surgery.
She asked anyone with information to reach out to her or the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
On Jan. 20, an update to the fundraiser indicated Fletcher would be undergoing additional surgery at 12:30 p.m. that day. Amputation was possible, according to the post.
“This situation has abruptly changed every aspect of their lives,” the fundraiser page states. “Any financial support offered will go directly toward medical, travel and living expenses as they navigate the long road ahead.”
In addition to financial support, the fundraiser page encourages people to share the link and expresses appreciation for prayers on behalf of the Fletchers.
To donate to the fundraiser, visit https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/E3C1U6Z.
To provide footage or information regarding the investigation, contact Deputy Joshua Brunstad at joshua.brunstad@lewiscountywa.gov or call the sheriff’s office at 360-748-9286.
According to the office, the case’s incident number is 26C667.
