Community Rallies Behind Teen Injured in Hunting Accident
MILFORD, Iowa — The community of Milford, Iowa has come together to support 18-year-old Joe Salmon, who was injured in a hunting accident over the weekend. The Okoboji High School senior was accidentally shot while hunting waterfowl with friends. Since the incident, the community has rallied behind Joe and his family, raising tens of thousands of dollars to help with medical expenses.
Joe Salmon is described as a special young man, known for his infectious smile and welcoming nature. His aunt, Jess Axler, spoke highly of her nephew, stating that he has a natural ability to connect with people. This ability to form connections quickly became evident as the community responded to Joe’s accident.
Axler, determined to prevent Joe’s family from being burdened with medical debt, started a GoFundMe page to raise money for his expenses. The initial goal was set at $1,000, but within two hours, over $1,500 had been donated. The goal was raised to $5,000, then to $10,000, and ultimately to $50,000. As of Thursday afternoon, the page had received over $36,000 in donations.
The support hasn’t stopped there. T-shirts featuring a drawing of Joe, created by one of his young fans, are being sold and other fundraisers are being organized. The response from the community has been overwhelming, humbling Joe’s family in the process.
Joe’s accident comes after a year of recognition for his heroism. Earlier this year, he and four others rescued a driver and his dog from a Jeep that had gone through the ice of East Lake Okoboji. This act of bravery gained national attention and showcased Joe’s willingness to help others.
While Joe continues to recover in the hospital, his family remains grateful for the outpouring of support. They describe the past few days as both rough and humbling. Joe’s determination and positive spirit are expected to aid in his recovery, as he has plans to pursue an athletic scholarship and study engineering in college.
As the community stands by Joe’s side, his aunt believes that he will be overwhelmed and humbled by the support once he learns of it. And as always, that infectious smile is sure to appear on his face, lighting up the room just as he has done for so many others.
