Rural Crawford rancher and volunteer firefighter Luke Norman is recovering at home from eye injuries suffered in an accident during the Old West Trail Rodeo fireworks show on the 4th of July, but is facing more surgery.
The 35-year old Norman was helping with the show when one of the tubes that shoot fireworks into the air tipped and a round hit and shattered his face shield, sending dozens of particles into both eyes.
He was flown to a Denver-area hospital for treatment, including removal of as much debris from his eyes as possible at the time.
Norman’s wife Erin says he can see well enough out of his right eye to get around the house, but that he still can’t see out of the left eye – adding that he’s scheduled for another surgery in a couple weeks.
The Normans have 5 children and Erin says the entire family has been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received. It’s ranged from prayers to meals to babysitting and taking the kids to the Crawford pool.
Luke and Erin Norman have been active in the cattle industry, especially through the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee.
They were among 4 Nebraska couples who went to Washington, DC, a few years ago to lobby for passage of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement that replaced NAFTA.
A fund to help the Normans has been established at Security First Bank in Crawford. Checks made out to Luke Norman can be mailed to Security First Bank, PO Box 506, Crawford NE, 69339. Cash and checks can also be dropped off at the bank .