GoFundMe campaign launched for state worker who lost leg on Big Island
COURTESY GOFUNDME PAGE
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for a Big Island man and state Department of Transportation employee and who lost a leg due when an excavator struck and ran him over as he was working on Highway 130.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for a Big Island man and state Department of Transportation employee who lost a leg when an excavator struck and ran him over as he was working on Highway 130.
The incident was one of four work-related accidents that occurred within a 20-day period this month, prompting the state Occupational Safety and Health Division to investigate the accidents, as reported in the Star-Advertiser today.
The accident occurred May 21, confirmed state DOT spokesman Tim Sakahara, while the employee was trimming vegetation to maintain the safety of Highway 130.
According to the GoFundMe Campaign, “Support the Egusa Ohana,” launched by Shanel Tiffany of Hilo, who describes herself as a sister-in-law, Davin Egusa was part of a crew helping to clear the highway May 21 to assist Leilani Estates due to the heavy lava flow.
Egusa was immediately rushed to Hilo Medical Center, where his left leg was amputated, she said, and transferred in critical condition to Queen’s Medical Center the following day.
The campaign seeks to raise $15,000 to help Egusa’s partner of 20 years, Janelle Rosario and their three daughters, ages 14, 18 and 20. Rosario is staying with Egusa through his treatment and recovery. To date, a little over $11,000 has been raised.
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“The monies collected will be used towards living expenses for the family and basic necessities for Janelle while she is on Oahu with Davin,” said the campaign. “No donation is too small. We greatly appreciate any contribution you can make to help this unfortunate situation.”
GoFundMe takes a 2.9 percent processing fee plus 30 cents per donation, according to spokeswoman Kate Cichy, to cover the cost of third-party credit card processors and the secure transfer of funds. The donations are not tax deductible unless made to a certified non-profit group.
“The safety of our employees and users of the highway is our number one priority, and we are saddened that one of our HDOT family members had been injured,” said Sakahara. “He and his family are in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
