Valley rallies around injured high school freshman

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — The valley is rallying around a high school freshman who suffered a serious injury while biking earlier this week.

Joe Ornowski, a freshman at Jackson Hole High School, was in a serious bike accident on Monday, May 9. He was life-flighted to Salt Lake City where he is currently in ICU.

Family members shared Ornowski suffered severe head trauma. As the week progressed he became more coherent and able to converse some. It will be a long road to recovery, says the family.

Ornowski plays hockey in the Jackson Youth Hockey system. He is also a member of the Composite Mountain Bike team.

“Today started a bit rocky as it was hard to wake up and get the day started, but he was able to walk to get an X-ray and back,” stated Joe’s mom, Suzanne Ornowski yesterday. “He slept most of the day and perked up this evening. He did a great job drinking so when his IV fell out they did not need to replace it. Hoping he will not need any more IV electrolytes tomorrow.”

Upon hearing the news, organizers at Jackson Youth Hockey launched a GoFundMe page for the Ornowski family. It is hosted by Christine Jenkins. Funds will be used directly to assist the family with meals, travel expenses, and medical costs as they commute between home and Salt Lake City for weeks to come.

A total of $26,130 has been raised so far.

“Many people in our community know Joe as a great teammate on both the Jackson Hole Moose Hockey team and the Jackson Hole. He is a wonderful brother, son and friend to many more as well as one of the nicest young men you will ever meet,” posted Jackson Youth Hockey. “Prayers and healing thoughts are most welcome, too, as we support Joe in making a full recovery!”