What began as a joyous celebration for a Whatcom County family ended in lasting heartbreak after a beloved father was critically injured in a pedestrian crash following his son’s wedding, and died months later.
Reed Henry was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road on Sept. 26, just hours after his family gathered to celebrate the wedding of his son, Jonathan Henry, and daughter-in-law, Hailey, according to a GoFundMe.
First responders performed CPR for about 10 minutes before Henry was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center, where doctors found extensive, life-threatening injuries, organizer Beth Horgen said. Those included fractures to his C6 and C7 vertebrae, a traumatic brain injury, multiple pelvic and leg fractures, broken feet, and a fractured collarbone.
Henry underwent multiple spinal surgeries and remained in critical condition for weeks. Family members said he was paralyzed from the mid-chest down and faced a long and uncertain recovery.
“Right now, he remains stable but in critical condition,” Horgen wrote earlier in the campaign, which asked for prayers for Henry’s medical team, healing, and peace for the family during what she described as a devastating time.
The fundraiser was initially created to help Henry’s children — Jonathan, Hailey, and Morgan — cover the mounting costs of frequent hospital visits, including travel, lodging, meals, and lost wages as they made several trips a week to be by their father’s side.
On Dec. 4, the family shared a heartbreaking update.
“It is with deep sadness that we update this GoFundMe, that after a hard-fought fight to recover from the injuries Reed sustained back in September, Reed peacefully passed away and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus surrounded by his family on December 3rd,” Horgen wrote.
With Henry’s death, the focus of the campaign shifted to helping cover funeral and final arrangement expenses, she said.
“I started this page to help the kids with the unexpected expenses of being there for their Dad during his recovery,” Horgen wrote. “Now they will have the expense of his final arrangements.”
As of Thursday, Jan. 1, the campaign had raised more than $6,000, with family members expressing gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, messages, and financial support during what they described as a long and painful season.
“Thank you for standing with us and lifting up our family in this time of need.”
Those interested in supporting the family can donate via GoFundMe here.
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