By Tavon N. Thomasson
AFRO Intern
A father in the state of Washington is still recovering after being severely injured in a mass shooting while enjoying a public park with his family.
Shortly before 8 p.m. on May 28, Harry Toad Park erupted into chaos as reports of gunfire reached police dispatch, prompting a quick response from the Lakewood Police Department in the state of Washington. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple gunshot victims requiring urgent medical attention.
According to investigators, “this incident began as a dispute between two groups that escalated to gunshots.” Authorities also emphasized that, “there is no threat to the public and this was not a targeted attack on park goers.”
Initially, five people were reported injured. Additional information later revealed that two more people had also been taken to the hospital independently, bringing the total number of injured to seven. Of those hospitalized, three were reported to be in serious to critical condition.
Now, one of the the injured, Ron Jackson, is asking for help as he recovers from the senseless act of violence.
Jackson, a 38-year-old father of five, now has mounting medical bills as he tries to heal his body and stand strong for his family. He said he was only able to survive and make it to the hospital “by the grace of God.”
‘This has been an incredibly painful and traumatic experience for all of us, emotionally and physically,” said Jackson, via his social media platform on Facebook.
When Jackson arrived at the hospital, medical staff discovered that he had major damage to his liver, requiring surgery and extended hospitalization. His road to full recovery is expected to be a long and costly process.
While Jackson fights to recover, Leighten Jackson has become the primary caregiver for their children, juggling not only her husband’s medical care but also tending to the household needs. Friends, neighbors and local community members have rallied around the Jackson family to help alleviate some of the burden.
Donations to the GoFundMe drive are being used to cover hospital bills, post-surgery rehabilitation costs, and everyday expenses like food, rent and childcare. The fundraiser has reached $6,970 as of June 12, with a goal of $20,000.
While detectives continue to interview witnesses and search for those responsible, the Jackson family’s focus remains on healing. Anyone wishing to assist the family can find their GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with-ron-and-his-family.