Skip to content

GoFundMe set up for Chilliwack trucker whose leg was crushed in excavator accident

The family and friends of Greg Fooks are looking for financial support following the tragic incident
21809921_web1_200610-CPL-Greg-Fooks-GoFundMe_1
Greg Fooks, seen here with his 11-month-old grandson Everett, had his left leg severely damaged after an excavator fell onto it during a tragic accident on June 7. (Submitted)

The family and friends of a Chilliwack man who was injured at home when an excavator crushed his leg are asking for financial support now that his career as a truck driver may be over.

Greg Fooks was attempting to load an excavator onto a trailer on Sunday, June 7 at his home in Yarrow when the machine tipped over and landed on the ground pinning his left leg underneath. He broke his tibia and fibula as a result.

A GoFundMe account was set up by family friend Liz Higgs the day after the incident.

“Greg is a loving and devoted family man and provider for all. He gushes about his two young grandsons and the accomplishments of his three adult children,” Higgs wrote. “He is an all-round family man that is always there for everyone.”

Fooks runs Lonzo Creek Trucking out of Abbotsford where he hauls chips and wood waste to local mills and delivers sawdust, mushroom compost and chicken manure to local farms around the Fraser Valley.

All of that came to an abrupt halt on the weekend.

Following the accident, he was taken to Royal Columbian Hospital where he underwent an eight-hour surgery to try and save his leg, foot and ankle. Two veins were removed from his leg and put in his foot, plus two rods were inserted on the outside of his foot to hold the bones in place.

Fooks is supposed to undergo an addition surgery soon, but is waiting to see how his foot heals before doctors make the next move. If things do not improve, it might result in a below-the-knee amputation his daughter Angela Fooks said.

To make things more difficult, he is not allowed visitors while in the hospital due to COVID-19.

The tragic accident has caused the family more than just stress and sadness, it has put them in a difficult financial situation, wrote Higgs.

When he returns home, Fooks’ wife Teresa is planning on taking time off work to care for him, which means an addition loss of income for the family.

“Greg and Teresa have always been there to lend a helping hand to whomever needed it, no questions asked. Now is the time for everyone to return the favour for them,” Higgs said. “It’s time for the trucking community, the farming community, and the local community to please come together and help.”

As of 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, nearly $11,000 had been raised for the family. The GoFundMe goal is set at $15,000.

“He wants to thank everyone that has donated so far and is overwhelmed by the support his family is receiving,” Higgs said.

To donate, go to the GoFundMe page for Greg Fooks.

RELATED: GoFundMe set up to help Abbotsford family after two children die in ATV accident


 

Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on?
Email: jenna.hauck@theprogress.com
Twitter: @PhotoJennalism

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

21809921_web1_copy_200610-CPL-Greg-Fooks-GoFundMe_2
Greg Fooks had his left leg severely damaged after an excavator fell onto it during a tragic accident on June 7. (Submitted)


Jenna Hauck

About the Author: Jenna Hauck

I started my career at The Chilliwack Progress in 2000 as a photojournalist.
Read more