Kyle Freud was driving on Interstate 70 in Colorado on Feb. 8 when he and another driver struck a horse
GoFundMe
NEED TO KNOW
- Two vehicles were involved in a collision with a horse on Interstate 70 near Fruita, Colo., on Feb. 8, requiring one driver to be hospitalized, authorities said.
- The hospitalized driver has been identified as 41-year-old Kyle Freud
- “He’s an amazing husband and father who puts his family first every single day,” said Jessica, Freud’s wife
A 41-year-old man was hospitalized after his vehicle struck a horse on a Colorado interstate.
The Colorado State Patrol said in a news release shared with PEOPLE that authorities responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a horse in Mesa County on Interstate 70 eastbound at milepost 22, near Fruita, in the early morning hours of Sunday, Feb. 8.
Officials said two vehicles — a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by the 41-year-old man out of Grand Junction, and a Ford F-250 operated by a 17-year-old man out of Peyton — were traveling on the eastbound lanes when a horse crossed the interstate and moved in front of the vehicles.
Both vehicles collided with the horse, and the Toyota car rolled and came to rest on its roof, authorities said. The horse died at the scene, according to Fox affiliate KDVR.
“The driver of the Land Cruiser was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for life threatening injuries,” the Colorado State Patrol said. “The driver of the Ford suffered no injuries and was not transported.”
A GoFundMe fundraiser and the victim's wife identified the 41-year-old victim as Kyle Freud.
“Kyle is one of the most genuine, passionate, and giving people you'll ever meet,” said Seena Miremadi, the fundraiser organizer. “He's been a cornerstone of the Land Cruiser and off-road community for years-sharing builds, trail adventures, knowledge, and encouragement with everyone from newbies to seasoned wheelers.”
“Beyond that, he's an amazing husband and father who puts his family first every single day. His positive energy, humor, and willingness to help others have touched so many lives,” Miremadi added.
The organizer noted that Freud is facing a long road ahead with “surgeries, rehabilitation and extensive medical care." Miremadi also stated that Freud’s Land Cruiser was totaled and that he will be unable to work for months.
In a Tuesday, Feb. 10, update on the GoFundMe, Jessica Freud, Kyle’s wife, said her husband was progressing much better, adding that he was much more alert following the crash.
“He is currently experiencing post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), meaning he has no memory of the crash or events since then,” Jessica said. “This is common after a major trauma, and his doctors are monitoring it closely as part of his recovery.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Jessica also said that Freud is scheduled to have hand surgery to address a finger injury on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
“We are so grateful for every donation, share, and kind message you've sent our way—it truly means the world to us during this difficult time. Your support is helping cover the mounting medical costs, surgeries, rehab, and supporting our family while Kyle fights to heal,” she added.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the GoFundMe has raised nearly $15,000.
PEOPLE contacted Jessica on Tuesday, but did not receive an immediate response.
Read the full article here
