Community Raises Funds For Patchogue Man, In Coma After Accident

PATCHOGUE, NY — A Patchogue man was put into a coma with serious injuries after a June car accident on the North Fork. Jake Lipponer was traveling to Cape Cod for a vacation on June 19, his favorite vacation spot according to friend Ryann Vigliotta who organized a GoFundMe campaign, when he crashed into a pole in Southold.

"Now Jake is in critical condition and his life will be changed forever. Jake sustained a multitude of injuries, including breaks to his spine, femur, pelvis, right arm, left hand as well as many other fractures throughout his body. He has already undergone major surgery and has multiple surgeries scheduled over the next week to stabilize and support his body. Jake will have a very long excruciating road to recovery," Vigliotta wrote on the fundraiser page.

Lipponer worked at Locale in Patchogue Village, and friends, neighbors and coworkers have joined in to help, donating $79,697 to the fundraiser to help offset the medical costs for him and his family. Lipponer was without health insurance coverage at the time of the crash.

"Anyone that knows Jake, knows what an amazing and kind soul he is. He is the most caring and loving son, brother, and friend. He would literally give you the shirt off his back if need be...His family is incredibly supportive, caring, and generous and now more than ever they need all the love and support they can get," Vigliotta said.