This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Friends of Utah park ranger Brody Young are teaming up to raise money for the mounting medical expenses the family has incurred as Young remains in critical but stable condition in a Grand Junction, Colo., hospital.

Brian Merrill, a former boss and current friend of Young, said Saturday that a group of friends are organizing a concert fundraiser for the family "mostly because so many people and so many of [Young's] friends wanted to do something and help somehow."

Young has been undergoing numerous surgeries since he was shot two weeks ago, and Merrill said he and other friends feel there isn't much more they can do to help the family than to be involved by raising money. Musical performers will be Nancy Hanson, Miles To Go, Highwater and Amy LaMarr.

In a statement, the family of Brody Young thanked the medical staff at St. Mary's Hospital and all who are keeping him in their prayers.

"We are seeing little miracles daily and have great hope that he will, in time, make a full recovery,"the family said. They also said they are grateful for the "tremendous outpouring of support and love and are deeply touched that such an event (benefit concert) has been put together to help support them throughout the difficult days ahead."

Merrill, who met Young when he was an employee of his as a river guide a decade ago, said family friends have organized a benefit concert and silent auction for the Young family 6 p.m. Friday at Eastmont Middle School in Sandy. Many auction items have been donated by ski resorts, outdoor gear companies and local artists.

Young, 34, was shot at least five times Nov. 19 during a routine parking-lot check at Poison Spider Mesa Trailhead, southwest of Moab.

Saturday, Grand County Sheriff Jim Nyland said that even though the search for the suspected shooter has been scaled back, some areas in the rugged, rocky canyon of southwest Moab are still being patrolled in search of 40-year-old Lance Leeroy Arellano. Officers believe Arellano was shot in the leg during the shootout, and then fled the scene and has not been seen since. Nyland said officers believe Arellano is still down in the area, but not a danger to residents.

Those wishing to donate, who are unable to attend the concert, may make monetary donations through the Wells Fargo Brody Young Benefit fund at rangerbrody.org. —

Concert and auction

P When • Friday, 6-9 p.m.

Where • Eastmont Middle School (10100 S. 1300 East) in Sandy

Donations • Monetary donations may also be made at http://www.rangerbrody.org.