There was a motor vehicle accident near Griswold, at the junction of TransCanada Hwy 1 and Hwy 21, on Friday morning, Sept 20. Emergency response crews were at the scene.
Virden RCMP responded to that accident involving a truck and a tractor trailer. The Highway was shut down and a RCMP Traffic Collision Analyst attended the scene of the collision to assist with the investigation. The matter is still under investigation.
One week later, we learn that this accident spelled tragedy for a family.
Scott MacMillan was severely injured in the crash that Friday morning. A GoFund Me page for Scott and his family has been set up by a friend of the family, Mandi Shurvell.
Shurvell explains that MacMillan was driving to work in his truck that Friday morning when a semi tractor-trailer hydroplaned in the pouring rain.
The trailer jackknifed into his lane. MacMillan's truck collided with the trailer and was dragged down the highway.
He was taken to Brandon Regional Health Centre and then transported to the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg for emergency spinal surgery.
According to Survell, after a lengthy surgery, doctors said Scott MacMillan had "suffered trauma to his C-6-7 vertebrae and a complete spinal cord dislocation which will leave him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. The primary focus of the surgery was to save some of the feeling Scott had in his hands.
"They are confident that through physiotherapy and occupational therapy he will be able to regain the use of his hands. This will drastically increase his quality of life."
The GoFund Me page has been started to help with ongoing bills. Just this morning, 12 hours after it was started, the GoFund Me has gone to $3,900, with a stated goal of $10,000.
Shurvell writes, “Scott is the sole provider for the family. Since the accident Joelynne (his partner) has been by his side, followed shortly after by their [three]children. They are currently in Winnipeg until he is well enough to be transferred back to Brandon Hospital.
“My hopes with starting this GoFundMe account is that we can all pitch in and try to alleviate some of the financial burden they are facing so that they can focus on what's important, Scott. There are many challenges facing them in the future, and many adjustments that will need to be made for everyday life."
