Friends of David Perry point to his actions during Hurricane Harvey as an example of his everyday character. The driver for J & J Towing Service of Cleveland traversed through dangerous flood waters to help people get to and from their homes and businesses.
Now, Perry needs the community’s help. He was critically injured Tuesday night, Aug. 21, when he was involved in one-vehicle accident on SH 321 near Ranch Hand restaurant while responding to an emergency – an overturned 18-wheeler that was blocking the roadway in Tarkington.
J & J owner Marty Jackson was at the crash scene that night and said he barely recognized his 18-wheeled Freightliner wrecker.
“It looked like a bomb went off when I walked up,” Jackson said. “When I finally recognized the truck, I realized it was David driving.”
Perry, an 18-year employee of J & J, was conscious and alert but was airlifted to Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston where the extent of his injuries was realized later.
“He has multiple fractures. He is in surgery right now on his back,” Jackson said Friday afternoon.
Before surgery, Perry was alert and communicating with his wife, family and friends through sign language, Jackson added.
“His vitals appear good but it’s a long road ahead of him for recovery,” he said.
Perry’s supporters are organizing blood drives and benefits to help his family offset the medical expenses.
On Saturday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a blood drive will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 901 Plum Grove Rd., Cleveland.
A Facebook page, www.facebook.com/theshreker, directing donations to Woodforest National Bank account has been established by his family members. To make a donation, tell the Woodforest clerks that your donation is to be made to the “David Perry Benefit.” PayPal donations also are being accepted using the email address of c.k.roberts2010@hotmail.com
“Pulling for David” is the motto for the fundraisers, according to Jackson.
“The motto for J & J is ‘Pulling for you,’ so it just seemed right to say we are now pulling for David,” he said.
By Vanesa Brashier, editor@bluebonnetnews.com