Pinon Pines Boy Burned in Thanksgiving Tragedy

  • Chase Rivers, 7

    Chase Rivers, 7

Fund Established to Help Family

On Thanksgiving day Chase Rivers, 7 of Pinon Pines and his uncle Jerry Rivers, 60 were in a dune buggy driving up sand dunes near Yuma, Arizona at about 11 a.m. when a spark ignited a spare gas tank in the rear of the vehicle, which burst into flames. According to a report from Laura Raymond, neighbor and friend who is serving as a family spokesperson, Chase was airlifted to University of California Hospital in San Diego. His uncle was airlifted to Phoenix.

On Monday, Nov. 26 parents Melissa and James Rivers were by Chase’s bedside in the ICU burn unit following his third surgery. Chase is reported to have third degree burns over 36 percent of his body. His back, arms, chest and hands are most severely burned. He is currently in a medically induced coma. His uncle is reported to be burned over 60 percent of his body and is in critical condition.

Until recently, Chase attended Frazier Park school, as did his sister Kylie. They have a one-year-old brother. The family owns Mountain Pest Control.

"Prayers and your good thoughts are needed now," Raymond said she wished to tell the community.

Those who wish to donate toward the family’s expenses during the medical crisis can make a donation, payable to the Mountain Communities Family Resource Center (or MCFRC) with the note "Rivers Family" in the memo field of the check.

The Mountain Enterprise has invited area businesses to join in developing a fund. Tejon Ranch Company has pledged $3,500, to pay half the family’s projected expenses for the time they must be in San Diego during Chase’s surgeries.

Community donations, cards and letters for Chase can be dropped at The Flower Pot at 3436 Mt. Pinos Way or mailed directly to the Family Resource Center at P.O. Box 1902, Frazier Park, 93225.

A silent auction to benefit the Chase Rivers Fund will be held during the Holiday Faire Fantasy of Lights event Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Flower Pot.

This is part of the November 30, 2007 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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