Head trauma after crash

Support is pouring in for a North Okanagan family whose teenaged son was airlifted to hospital following a motorcycle crash in Cherryville.

Josiah Wohlgemuth was driving a motorcycle to work at his family business when he was involved in a motor vehicle incident. A GoFundMe has been launched to raise funds for the family, including Josiah’s parents, the business owners.

“Rodger and Luetta Wohlgemuth are the owners of Triple Island Cheese, which originated in Cherryville and is now made in their facility in Armstrong,” reads the GoFundMe created by Rachelle Zelaney.

“Their family have been vendors at the Vernon and Kelowna Farmers' Markets since they purchased the business a few years ago. As a local small business employing their teenage sons, they will now, understandably, need to cease operations while they tend to Josiah's injuries and recovery.”

During the crash, Josiah suffered head trauma when he first hit the ground. His helmet then flew off and he hit the ground again without the protection of his helmet, resulting in more head trauma.

Josiah was brought to the ICU at the Vancouver Children's Hospital where he will undergo a neurological assessment.

“Josiah's breathing tube is removed and he is off sedation. He is waking at times and responding to a few of our commands,” said his mom, Luette, via an update on the GoFundMe page.

“He had some bleeding in the brain, so we're trying to keep him calm so that he can heal. He also has a fractured spine in the lumbar region, which we only found out this morning. Recovery could be lengthy, but will take it one day at a time.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, the GoFundMe has raised $13,125 for the family.