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Support sought for German exchange student paralyzed in snowmobile accident

Friends and the host family of a German exchange student who was seriously injured in a snowmobile crash earlier this month have set up a bank account for people to make contributions to assist with mounting expenses.

Laura Fuerst, 16, was seriously injured at about 2:30 p.m. on March 8 when she lost control of the snowmobile she was operating on an Emmet County trail and crashed into a tree.

Laura was later transferred to the University of Michigan Medical Center where she remains in stable condition.

Laura was attending Petoskey High School and living with Jason and Sanchia Sommerville at the time of the crash.
Sanchia Sommerville said Tuesday the most serious of Laura’s injuries is a shattered vertebra which has caused paralysis in her legs. Sommerville said Laura is otherwise doing well.

“She’s in good spirits,” Sommerville said. “She is strong willed and a fighter. I think the hardest thing for her is that she won’t get to say good-bye to her friends here.”

She said Laura’s family has traveled to Ann Arbor and will take her home to Germany when she is well enough to travel. Laura’s family has incurred many travel and other expenses.

An account, dubbed “the Laura Fuerst Care Fund” has been established at Fifth-Third bank in Laura’s name. Anyone wishing to donate money to help Laura’s family defray some of their costs may do so at any area Fifth-Third Bank location or by calling Jason Sommerville at 348-1096.

Sanchia Sommerville said Laura would also appreciate cards and notes of encouragement from friends. Correspondence may be sent to Laura at the following address: Laura Fuerst, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Room 6535, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48109.

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