(MARSHALL COUNTY, Ky.)-Emergency responders with the Marshall County Rescue Squad were called to a local farm this morning following a serious agricultural accident that has left a young man paralyzed.
The victim, an H2A agricultural worker who had recently arrived from Mexico on March 5, was injured while putting out hay at Austin Joseph’s farm when a hay bale fell on him, severing his spine and leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.
The Marshall County Rescue Squad thanked all agencies and personnel who responded to the scene, asking the community to keep the young man and his family in their thoughts and prayers as he faces a long recovery.
The injury is life-altering. As an H2A visa worker, the victim is not eligible for U.S. disability or unemployment benefits, and will return home to Mexico facing a lifetime of medical challenges and care needs.
Community Rallies with Raffle Fundraiser
In response to the tragedy, a raffle fundraiser has been organized to help offset costs for the injured worker and his family.
- Prize: Four winners will each receive a quarter of a beef, valued at $1,240
- Ticket Price: $20 each
- Drawing Date: April 20
- Beef Pickup: May 11
- You do not need to be present to win
Tickets can be purchased by messaging Keylee Miller of United Livestock Commodities Inc. or Austin Joseph directly. Payment is accepted via cash, check, Cash App, Venmo, or PayPal.
“Every share, ticket, and donation means so much to us and to him and his family,” organizers said.
H2A workers at the farm regularly work 12-plus hour days, five to six days per week. Organizers describe the program’s participants as among the most dedicated workers they have known and say they have formed lifelong friendships through it.
The Marshall County Rescue Squad asks the community to continue lifting this young man and his family up in prayer as they navigate this difficult road ahead.
