Community Corner
$21K Raised For Man Who Broke Neck In ATV Accident
Rick Leukhardt, of Lake Villa, was involved in a "terrible" crash last weekend at a family gathering.
By Sam Borcia, the Lake & McHenry County Scanner | September 11, 2021 12:59 p.m.
LAKE COUNTY, IL — A fundraiser has collected more than $21,000 for a Lake Villa family after a father broke his neck in an ATV accident during a family gathering last weekend.
Lake Villa resident Rick Leukhardt was involved in a “terrible” crash on September 5, according to family friend Jamie Deehr.
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Leukhardt was driving an ATV while with family near Antioch when he crashed into a tree while trying to avoid hitting a car, Deehr said.
Leukhardt was rushed to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and then transferred to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.
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He underwent a successful surgery Tuesday morning to repair his broken neck.
“It was a long and complex surgery. But most importantly he is going to be ok,” Deehr said.
Leukhardt, who is a father of two boys, asked the doctor, “Will I be able to pitch to my boys again?” Deehr said.
Leukhardt is a baseball coach for the Lake Villa Township Baseball League. The league asked the community in a social media post to “keep Coach Rick and his family in your prayers.”
Leukhardt is likely going to be transported to a rehabilitation facility after he is released from the hospital.
“But this is just the beginning of a very long and challenging recovery. There isn’t a timeframe on this type of recovery and it’s uncertain when he will be able to return to work,” Deehr said.
A GoFundMe raised $21,800, with a goal of $25,000, in just three days from over 100 donors.
“From hospital transfers, major neck surgery, hospital and therapy expenses to all the travel they will have to do to get Rick to physical therapy. The bills are going to be rolling in soon,” Deehr said.
Lake and McHenry County Scanner is a local breaking news website covering issues that matter such as shootings, stabbings, house fires, kidnappings, car accidents, and more around Lake County and McHenry County.
