Fundraiser to benefit man injured by safe

COEUR d'ALENE - A fundraiser is scheduled Saturday to assist the family of a man who was injured when a 1,500-pound safe fell on him.

Dale Tucker, 26, is being treated at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle following the Oct. 19 accident. According to a family friend, Tucker, who was on the job working for a moving company, was hurt when a strap broke or came undone as the safe was being pushed up a truck ramp in Rathdrum.

Crystal English said the fundraiser will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Post Falls Master Lube, 3273 E. Seltice Way. It will include pulled pork sandwiches, tickets for prizes, and Post Falls Junior Tackle cheerleaders. Master Lube is also donating $5 from every oil change done between Saturday and Nov. 17 to the fundraiser.

Tickets are $5 each or two for $8 for prizes that include a haircut and style, photo session, an oil change and a two-night stay on the Oregon coast.

English said Tucker is the sole provider for his family that includes a wife and three children.

He is showing signs of improvement, she said. His breathing tube was removed, and he has been able to eat, speak and move. Despite extensive injuries sustained when the safe fell on his head, his memory is "pretty good." He has undergone two surgeries and has another scheduled Thursday.

"He knows that he has kids. He wants to go home," she said. "It's really looking up."

English said worker's compensation should cover Tucker's medical bills, but the family will need assistance to get by while he is recovering.

Info: English, 704-3392