Funds Raised for Bend Survivor of Deadly Crash

Patty Meehan is slowly recovering from a crash that claimed the life of her husband west of Bend two weeks ago, but the health care expenses will be quite high. That’s why friends have set up a donation fund for her.

The donation jar at Wild Birds Unlimited (in the Forum Shopping Center in Bend), where Patty used to work, has been set out for a week and employees say it fills up every day.

They say it’s really nice to see how great the community is at helping others.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Meehan was riding in the car with her husband, Dean Hale, on Highway 20 west of Tumalo, when it was hit by 33-year-old Jesus Larios.

Both Hale and Larios died at the scene. Meehan is still in critical condition.

Her friends just want to thank the community.

“Oh my goodness, the community has been so wonderful there’s been so much love and such an outpouring of prayers,” Aspen Clayton said Sunday. “It’s just been beautiful, and I know Patty can feel it. I can tell you when she does come around and she sees this, she’s going to be very touched and moved. It’s pretty unbelievable how much love has come her way.”

If you would like to donate, you can go to any Chase Bank Branch in Bend and ask to contribute to Patricia Meehan’s account.