This Week in the Mercury

Geisha Fatale

Theater

Geisha Fatale

Imago's The Black Lizard Is Stylish but Uneven


Temper Tantrum

Film

Temper Tantrum

God Bless America's Bloody Liberal Catharsis



  |  

Friday, September 4, 2009

Bikes Cyclist Hit By Car Was Uninsured Safety Advocate

Posted by Sarah Mirk on Fri, Sep 4, 2009 at 9:51 AM

One week after Portlander Mike Luther was seriously injured while biking in a parking lot off NE 122nd, his family has released a statement asking for help covering Luther's medical costs and bringing justice to the Kia Sportage driver who allegedly backed into him while going 40 MPH in reverse.

The driver, Wayne Conrad Thompson, earlier this week pled not guilty to charges of felony assault with a deadly weapon (the weapon being his car). Luther is currently in fair condition at the hospital but that doesn't mean he's out of the woods. His family is holding a mini press-conference later today but, for now, here's their statement which hits home our need for a much more inclusive and affordable healthcare system:

Mike Luther is a public transportation and safe biking advocate. His chosen method of transportation is his bicycle, and he taught his daughter and nieces and nephews how to navigate and enjoy Portland’s rich public bus and light-rail system. At the apartment complex where he lives, Mike’s the guy the children of the area go to when they need a helmet.

Mike remains hospitalized with substantial injuries. His prognosis is unclear; all we know for certain is there will be a long recovery for Mike that will include a lengthy rehabilitation period. The family thanks the Portland Police Bureau and in particular the homicide detectives for their quick and rapid response and continued support. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the Portland Police detectives at 503-839-0692.

Mike is one of the 649,000 Oregonians not covered by a health insurance plan and according to preliminary legal counsel it is unclear if the driver of the car has insurance to cover Mike’s medical bills. Because of this, a Special Needs contribution account has been opened in Mike’s behalf at US Bank. Donations can be made to the Mike Luther fund at any US Bank branch. The family thanks contributors in advance and those who have already contributed for assisting with medical costs.

Again, the family thanks Mike’s community, his friends and extended family for the support through this difficult time.

 

Comments (4) RSS

Oldest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a comment
1
Perhaps the Merc can solve the sit-lie problem by giving all of the panhandlers their own posts. We're half-way their already, as of late.
Posted by A CAT, probably on September 4, 2009 at 12:04 PM · Report
2
This post has nothing to do with panhandling and everything to do with life in America without a public insurance option to help Americans that are trying to help themselves and others.
Posted by LokNaar on September 4, 2009 at 12:17 PM · Report
3
Why didn't Mike Luther have medical insurance? And does medical insurance normally cover attempted murder? This wasn't at taffic accident, so of course the driver's insurance won't cover it, even though he'll be legally responsible for the bills.
Posted by Reymont on September 4, 2009 at 12:29 PM · Report
4


http://www.doj.state.or.us/crimev/comp.sht…

The family needs to take advantage of this (as tax payers, we're all already paying for the medical bills in this sort of situation), and then they need to have their legal counsel sue the living fuck out of the driver.

Posted by A CAT, probably on September 4, 2009 at 12:58 PM · Report

Add a comment

Our Friends

Our Enemies

/images/adoftheweek.gif

ad of the day

The Handyman Pro - Your Honey-Do Specialist
Don’t let our name fool you. The Handyman Pro, LLC is a repair and remodel service provider with over 25-years experience. We cover all aspects of construction and repairs for residential and commercial clients.go


post an ad

All contents © Index Newspapers, LLC

115 SW Ash St. Suite 600
Portland, OR 97204

Contact Info | Privacy Policy | Production Guidelines | Terms of Use