Hundreds show support for Iowa couple hurt in hot air balloon crash

MARTENSDALE, Iowa (KCCI) -Folks from neighboring communities spent part of Saturday in Martensdale, displaying as much as assist a pair damage in a sizzling air balloon accident over the summer season, KCCI’s Kayla James stories.

Again in July, a sizzling air balloon crashed into an influence line and caught on fireplace. 4 individuals have been within the basket: a couple, the pilot, and a 13-year-old. The pilot is recovering from extreme burns. The 13-year-old, who was additionally on the experience, is alleged to have suffered minor accidents.

As for the couple, KCCI spoke with Wealthy Wheeldon on Thursday. Wealthy suffered burns on his palms, arms, again and head. His spouse, Irene, suffered burns to her face, legs and arms.

On Saturday, the couple was in Martsendale for a fundraiser held to assist them cowl out-of-pocket medical bills. Over a span of 5 hours, a whole lot of individuals filed into the city’s highschool’s car parking zone. The world had been remodeled for the fundraiser and was stuffed with video games, a balloon home, a dunk tank, raffle prizes, tents and extra.

“We’re very grateful to all people that’s right here,” mentioned Nathan Wheeldon, Irene and Wealthy’s son. “It’s only a testomony to the variety of lives they’ve affected over time.”

The couple has been residence for a bit after spending a while within the hospital following the accident. Nevertheless, they nonetheless should undergo bodily remedy.

“It’s simply quite a lot of stretching, attempting to get our mobility again,” Irene mentioned.

“In order that we don’t lose that movement, you bought to maintain stretching it again out,” Wealthy mentioned.

The Wheeldon household mentioned it finest: what occurred occurred and it’s time to maneuver on.

It’s one thing the couple says they’d not be capable to do with out their family and friends serving to them alongside the best way.

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