Hundreds help man injured by fall

ROANOKE, Ind. (WANE) - Hundreds of people packed the Allen County UAW Local 2209 hall on Saturday to support Ron Hostetter of Markle.

The 45-year-old suffered devastating injuries in November after falling twenty feet from a deer hunting stand.

"I climbed up in my tree and happened to have another young guy with me. He watched my climb in the tree and said it was only five seconds [before] he heard a thud," Hostetter said.

The fall ruptured Hostetter's spleen, broke ribs and his back in eight places. He suffered a spinal cord injury paralyzing Hostetter from the waist to the knees.

Hostetter's family says an accessible van and more rehabilitation would make life easier for Hostetter. They organized Saturday's live auction, games, entertainment and raffles to help support costs.

"I just appreciate everybody that has supported this whole thing," Hostetter said.

Community members and local businesses donated close to 500 items for auction. Almost as many people were expected to attend the fundraiser. Family members said there were not enough words of gratitude to express how they felt regarding the turnout.

To learn more about Ron Hostetter and his needs, click here.