Fund established for coach hurt in crash

The family of a Stillwater soccer coach who faces a long recovery after breaking his back in a car crash last week is asking for financial help as he recovers.

Shawn Nelson, a business owner and girls soccer coach at Stillwater Area High School, was driving home Dec. 14 when he hit an icy patch on the road and launched into a ditch. He broke his back in the accident and faces up to two months in a back brace and longer recovery and rehabilitation, according to a GoFundMe account.

“And while we are grateful that he will eventually recover, his family of 6 faces months of a single income, projected high medical costs, and an unknown return to work date.

His wife, Julie, is a teacher and is currently working 2 jobs. Shawn ... works in construction and needs a fully functioning body to make a living. If you know the Nelsons, this is a hard ask for them. They are typically the helpers. Also, if you have been lucky enough to cross paths with Shawn, you know if the tables were turned, he would be one of the first people to call and ask, ‘How can I help?’”

The GoFundMe account can be found at gofundme.com/f/support-shawn-nelsons-road-to-recovery.

— Kristi Miller