Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Amanda Butterfield reportingThe response has been amazing to a story Eyewitness News aired yesterday about a young man who survived a deadly rollover two years ago.
Eight others died when the van from Utah State crashed on I-84. Jared Nelson was severely injured. In fact, his needs prompted many of you to get involved.
We got phone calls and e-mails. Dozens and dozens of viewers were touched by Jared and Amy Nelson's story, and they wanted to donate a motorized wheelchair.
We answered some of those e-mails and phone calls and checked out the wheelchairs.
One man didn't want his name or face on camera. He just wanted to help the Nelsons after hearing their story. "Amy is making a choice, and it's refreshing to see people that dedicated and that selfless," he said.
Amy and Jared had been married for 38 days when Jared was involved in a horrible car accident. Two years ago, Jared and other Utah State University students were on their way home from a field trip when their van rolled. Jared was one of only two survivors. His injuries are extensive, and Amy is now his full-time caregiver.
So, Mickey Lau is offering them an electric wheelchair. It's her mother's, but she no longer has any use for it.
"I was very much impressed with both of them," Lau said. "I thought they were amazing, that Amy was taking such great care of this young man. They're both lucky to have each other."
Over the phone, Amy says she is overwhelmed with the outpouring of love. Today has been a busy day for the two: Jared is in surgery again. He's expected to be fine. A pin in his leg is being replaced.
As for the wheelchairs all of you so generously offered, it's likely none of them will work. Because of his injuries, Jared needs a custom chair. Regardless, Amy wants to thank you all.
If you would like to help toward the custom wheelchair, you can donate to the "Jared Nelson Donation Account" at any Zions Bank location.
