September 8, 2015

Deputy injured in wreck with semi

By Amy Robinson
Farmer Staff Writer

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, at about 10:30 a.m., McKenzie County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Cloud was struck in his patrol vehicle by a semi truck, and life-flighted to St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, both vehicles were traveling east on Highway 200, about 11 miles east of Fairview, Mont. Cloud’s 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe (patrol vehicle) was ahead of the truck. Cloud was slowing to make a U-turn when the truck struck the Tahoe on the driver’s side. Both vehicles came to rest in the westbound lane.
David Hauge of Oregon, who was driving a 1994 Marmon Truck, was not injured in the accident. But Cloud had to be airlifted to Bismarck for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.
“Please put on your armor and pray for one of my deputies who was in a severe auto accident today,” posted McKenzie County Sheriff Gary Schwartzenberger, after he learned of his deputy’s accident. “He is a Marine and a Warrior and is doing well. I have faith that he will heal quickly. Thank you to all the first responders and thank you to a special citizen that stopped and saved his life today by pulling him from the car. Semper Fi my brother; Christopher William.”
A GoFundMe account was immediately set up online following Cloud’s accident. And in less than 24 hours, $11,500 of the $15,000 goal was raised by 125 people. That account is still up at http://www.gofundme.com/ee3aq9h9 for those who still wish to donate.
According to Cloud’s wife, Mandi, Cloud had surgery on Tuesday, Sept. 2, and doctors had to amputate two toes and they were watching the third toe, hoping it wouldn’t have to be amputated. Cloud also had a huge three-inch by two-inch burn on the top of his foot that will need to have a skin graph eventually.
On his left arm, at his elbow, doctors removed several chunks of glass that were deeply imbedded. Cloud also suffered cuts to his left arm and right hand.
“We will be leaving here shortly to be transported to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.,” wrote Mandi on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 3. “Most likely, he will be having surgery on his pelvis. Thank you to everyone that has checked on him, came to visit, donated to help us, prayed for us, and simply thought of us. It truly means a lot and we cannot thank you enough!”
The crash remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol, and agencies involved include the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office, the Fairview Fire Department and Rescue, and the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER