This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Friends and strangers alike are coming to the aid of a Summit County firefighter who has been fighting for his life since his motorcycle collided with a school bus last weekend.
As of Thursday, an online fundraising site (http://www.youcaring.com/jeremy-morgan-359196) has passed the midpoint of a $40,000 goal in donations to help offset medical expenses for 24-year-old Jeremy Morgan.
He remained in "very critical" condition Thursday at University Hospital in Salt Lake City, where he was flown following the 11 a.m. Saturday crash involving an Oakley School bus.
Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Todd Royce said the northbound bus turned into the path of Morgan's motorcycle as it headed south on State Road 32 near Peoa. The driver was cited for failure to yield while making a left turn.
No one on the bus was hurt, but Morgan, who has been with the North Summit Fire Department for a year, sustained broken bones and internal injuries.
It was his brother, Jason, who set up the "YouCaring" site.
"I am asking our community for support during this horrible time for our family, as we have a very long and difficult road ahead," Jason Morgan wrote on the website. "I will be using this website to keep everyone updated on Jeremy's progress and will personally pass on all well wishes to my parents and sister."
With funds donated nearing $21,000 at midday Thursday, he added the family's appreciation for the "overwhelming amount of support which we have already gotten. ... [We] are truly blessed to be surrounded by such a wonderful community."
Meanwhile, Morgan's fellow firefighters have remained in contact with the family, offering to assist however they can.
"Jeremy is the type of guy that would be the first to get in, and help someone that was in need. Please join us in helping to care for one of our own in his time of need," the North Summit Fire District stated.
Twitter: @remims