Crash alters Osgood man’s life; fund set up for medical expenses

Cole Moore is pictured with his wife, Katie, and their daughter.

On March 15, Cole Moore, 20 of Osgood, was on his way to work when he fell asleep behind the wheel. His vehicle left the road, went airborne, and he was ejected from the vehicle. Even with devastating injuries, he somehow managed to crawl by his elbows nearly 100 feet to a nearby driveway.

By the grace of God, an off-duty Switzerland County paramedic happened to be just two minutes away on his way to work when Cole’s car called 911 after the impact. The paramedic heard the call over the radio, and he was able to get to Cole quickly. “Austin Morton is his name, and we truly can’t thank him enough for being there for Cole. We truly believe God had His hand on Cole that morning,” said Cole’s mother, Ashley Kelly.

Cole suffered multiple fractures to both his neck and back. He underwent emergency surgeries to stabilize his injuries, leaving him with 10 screws and two rods in his spine and a cervical cage in his neck. “Just when we thought we understood the extent of his injuries, doctors discovered a serious injury to one of the arteries that supplies blood to his brain and spinal cord,” said Kelly.

“While we were hopeful that the artery would heal. The neurologist recently determined that he needs surgery to repair the artery, but the risk of placing a stent is so high that it could cut off blood flow to his spinal cord and leave him paralyzed. Because of that risk, they said surgery is now not an option. Instead, Cole has been left with lifelong restrictions, ongoing monitoring, and uncertainty about what his future will look like,” Kelly told the Osgood Journal.

More than four months later, he continues to live with daily pain and limited movement in his neck and back. His job required heavy physical labor which he is unable to do now with the restrictions that he was given.

“As if that wasn’t enough, Cole and his wife, Katie, are expecting their second child, a baby boy, this October. What should be an exciting season of preparing for their growing family has instead become a season filled with doctor appointments, financial stress, and an uncertain future,” Kelly noted.

“Our family has been overwhelmed by the love, prayers, and support from this community. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has reached out, prayed for Cole, and asked how they can help. Thank you for keeping Cole, Katie, and their children, in your prayers as we continue to trust God through this journey,” Kelly said.

The family has set up a gofundme account: https://gofund.me/5903e9078?sfnsn=mo

An account has also been set up at CIVISTA Bank (Cole Moore Fund) if anyone would prefer to go into a bank branch. Those who wish to donate can go to any branch.