A Port Coquitlam man has not been able to walk since a tree fell on his truck in Pitt Meadows during the destructive windstorm of Dec. 20.
Alex Higden, 20, was driving home from his work at about 4 p.m. at a Pitt Meadows roofing shop. He was on Old Dewdney Trunk Road, near Hopcott’s Meats, when the tree fell, destroying the cab of his truck and sending it into a ditch.
When he regained consciousness, he found he couldn’t move his legs.
Higden was taken to Vancouver General Hospital and underwent spinal surgery. One vertebra was removed so it could be repaired, according to reports, and two others were fused together.
His spinal cord was damaged, but not severed. Doctors said he may never walk again.
Higden has gained increased use of his arms.
A gofundme.com page has been set up to raise funds for Higden, and has raised close to $25,000 of its $100,000 goal.
“Alex is left with major spinal injuries and no feeling in his legs. We want to raise money for Alex to ensure he walks again,” says the page.
“He is the most funniest, loving, hardworking, and positive guy we know. Alex loves dirt biking, jet skiing, dancing, and snowmobiling. Alex is one of those guys that you always seek to have a great time with and Alex is genuinely always up for any adventure. We want to make Alex’s future a little bit brighter. Please donate to help support Alex and his family on this journey. We want to see Alex walk, play, dance and, ride again.”
The next step in his recovery will be moving to the G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre.