A fundraising campaign has raised more than $28,000 to support Jaxson Homer as he recovers from severe injuries sustained in a plane crash near Blackfoot on Aug. 1. The crash, which killed 27-year-old pilot Caden Max West, left two other passengers hospitalized with significant trauma.
Fundraiser Supports Long Recovery
The fundraiser, organized by Nicole Johnson, has reached 82% of its initial $35,000 goal. According to the GoFundMe campaign, 252 donors have contributed to the fund to help manage the immense medical expenses following the accident. The campaign seeks to cover costs for surgeries, rehabilitation, and travel for specialized care.
Severe Injuries Require Specialized Care
Jaxson Homer remains in intensive care following the Aug. 1 crash, suffering from a vertebral burst fracture of his L3, a broken sternum, a shattered ankle, and severe facial fractures. According to the GoFundMe page, Homer has already undergone several crucial surgeries. He is expected to be transferred to the University of Utah for extensive facial reconstruction, healing, and rehabilitation.
Financial Burdens for Family
The financial burden on the family includes out-of-pocket medical bills, medication, and travel costs for follow-up care. While Homer is covered by his parents' health insurance, the family is seeking assistance to navigate the physical and emotional challenges of the recovery process. The organizer noted that the funds will be used exclusively for Homer's recovery and related expenses.
Fatal Crash at Blackfoot Airport
The crash occurred late on a Saturday night at the Blackfoot City Airport. Bingham County Coroner Jimmy Roberts identified the deceased pilot as Caden Max West of Pocatello. While West was killed in the accident, two other passengers were injured and transported to hospitals for treatment.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the aviation accident remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. The crash was the second plane accident in Blackfoot on that same day, according to prior reporting by East Idaho News.
Legacy of the Pilot
West, a finance graduate from Brigham Young University-Idaho, was actively pursuing a career in the airlines at the time of his death. His father, Jason West, shared that his son was an Eagle Scout and a former missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. West had also previously worked on a film crew on the Alaska Iditarod.
Community Mourns Loss
The community has begun mourning West, described by his father as a person who 'loved to fly' and was 'chasing' his professional dreams. While funeral arrangements for West have not been announced, the focus remains on the recovery of the surviving passengers and the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
