Becker remains in critical condition; battles complications

SANDPOINT — Wayne Becker, 47, remains in the critical care unit of Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. He is on a ventilator and has complications with infections and pneumonia.

He was on his way to a friend's memorial service on Sept. 16 when he was involved in a motorcycle accident.

Becker sustained serious injuries in the accident and since then has underwent three major surgeries, according to his family. During the first surgery, his left leg was amputated below the knee.

His pelvis was crushed, his left hip was broken and his right hip was fractured. A second surgery was conducted to repair this area.

His third surgery was done by a Dr. Gruss to rebuild the bones in Becker's face. Gruss took skull bone to rebuild his cheekbones, nose, upper and lower and jaw and the hard palate.

Becker also sustained rib fractures on both sides of his body and a lacerated liver.

He has yet to respond to verbal commands by doctors, however he is heavily sedated because of his injuries.

Becker's wife Michelle and family members have been at his side waiting for him to open his eyes and respond to them.

As he heals and begins his journey towards recovery, he will need extensive physical therapy in a skilled nursing facility before he will be able to return home.

Becker formerly worked as a mechanic for Evergreen Ford in Sandpoint for 17 years before opening his own shop, Specialty Marine, in Clark Fork in 1999. Michelle Becker is a seasonal flagger and helps her husband in his shop in the off-season.

The couple has been married for 23 years and have four children.

The community has come together to help out the Becker family in their time of need.

A benefit for Wayne Becker will be held Saturday, Oct. 20 in Clark Fork. The event will begin at 1 p.m. at Clark Fork Community Center, 10th and Cedar, with a spaghetti feed. It will be followed by a live auction with auctioneer Tom Spade.

At 4 p.m., several local musicians will donate their time and talent to a fundraiser to help out Becker, with all proceeds going to the family from Dave Camp. The event will be held at Camp's Corners in Clark Fork.

Donations for the auction can be dropped off at Hays Chevron in Clark Fork or contact Sissy at 266-1184.

The Becker family would like to thank everyone for their continued prayers, support and generosity.