Wonder Wiener Owner Out Of ICU, Now Back In Rehab

BEACHWOOD, NJ - The prayers worked.

Gerry LaCrosse, the popular owner of Der Wunder Wiener and longtime Beachwood councilman, is out of the intensive care unit after a setback earlier this week and is now back in rehab, his niece Charissa Fromm said.

"I don’t like to be all “doom and gloom” on FB but posted this because I was hoping the power of many prayers could help. And it did!" Fromm wrote on her Facebook page. "He was in the ICU for 4 days and now he has improved enough for them to transport him back to the rehab facility! Thank you again for your powerful prayers!"

Fromm posted several days ago that LaCrosse was back in ICU for a second time, since the June 11 accident that nearly killed him.

LaCrosse 75, suffered multiple injuries and severe bleeding after a SUV left Route 9 in Bayville and plowed into the popular hot dog stand that has stood for decades. He had to be airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune shortly after the accident.

Ironically, June 11 was a Monday, a day the stand is traditionally closed. LaCrosse went to the stand just to drop off supplies earlier than he usually did, his niece said.

He was on a ventilator for almost a week during his first hospitalization. He was later discharged and moved to a rehab facility to begin his recovery.Subscribe
His recovery seemed to be going well. LaCrosse even spoke by phone to a crowd of well wishers and supporters last weekend who had gathered for a fundraiser held at the spot where the popular business was once located.

The police unions sold hot dogs and other items LaCrosse once sold at his business. Hundreds turned out for the fundraiser, which was held for three days. The community has rallied around the popular businessman and public official ever since the accident.

But his condition worsened earlier this week and he had to be placed in intensive care for the second time.

Berkeley police issued six summons to Mark Poplawski, 52, Forked River, the driver of the SUV that first took down a utility pole, then struck the landmark business and LaCrosse on June 11.

Poplawski was issued summons for careless driving, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, driving in an unsafe manner, operating a motor vehicle on public lands, and failure to exhibit registration, the report written by Berkeley Patrolman Michael Bulwinski says.

A gofundme account was set up for the family to help with expenses the day after the accident. If you would like to donate, click here.
Photos: Courtesy of gofundme, a Patch promotional partner.