Two fundraisers set for local man after bale rolls over him

Friends and family of a local man, severely injured after a 2,000-pound round bale rolled over him while loading hay, are holding fundraisers Thursday and March 25 to help with his expenses.

Lex Keller suffered multiple injuries when ties came loose while loading hay Feb. 23 and the bale rolled over him. Those injuries include broken bones in his arms and legs, six ribs and four vertebrae, including one in three places, and internal injuries and bleeding

Sheena Teske, Keller's cousin who is helping organize the fundraisers, said the bale was heavier than usual due to being wet from sitting through the winter.

"He's lucky to be alive," Teske said, adding that Keller is in great pain.

He was flown by life-flight to Great Falls for care in an intensive care unit. Teske said he is now in Benefis West in Great Falls undergoing physical therapy

She said doctors expect him to be in physical therapy for at least six to eight months. They will go in to take the rods out in about six months, she said.

He also will be unable to work for some time, Teske said.

Friends are holding the fundraisers to help Keller with his medical expenses - he developed pneumonia after his injuries and may have infection in his leg, although Teske said his pneumonia is improving. He is also unable to work.

Pizza Hut is holding a fundraiser Thursday in which 20 percent of any purchase will be donated to Keller's fundraiser if the purchaser says they are donating to him.

The Havre Jaycess also are holding a fundraiser, March 25 in the Havre Eagles Club from 6 to 11 p.m. Teske said people who want more information about that fundraiser or want to donate items for its silent auction - the event also is listed on the Havre Jaycees Facebook page -  can contact her at 406-879-9622 or any Havre Jaycee.

An account for Lex Keller in which people can make donations also has been set up at Bear Paw Credit Union.