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Welch recovering after Aug. 14 crash

On Saturday, Aug. 14, Officer Jesse Anderson arrived on the scene of a vicious roll-over accident on 22nd Street NE, approximately three miles northwest of New Rockford, where he discovered 20-year-old Jake Welch lying in the cattails, more than 75 feet from his now totaled vehicle.

After suffering serious injuries and complaining of back pain, Welch was airlifted to Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, N.D., where he underwent multiple procedures to fix a broken back, broken pelvis, broken ribs, two severe liver lacerations, severe road rash, and a cut on the back of his head. He celebrated his 21st birthday while in the hospital.

On Aug. 28, Welch was able to return home after two weeks in the hospital and rehab center, but still has plenty of work to do if he wants a full recovery. He works hard every day to improve the strength in his arms and legs as he prepares to return to normal life, and he remains hopeful that he'll get there sooner rather than later.

"The rehab process has gone better than expected," said Welch. "When I first started, I felt defeated and scared that I would be stuck feeling weak and miserable. As time goes on, I feel more and more independent and like my old self every day. This process has been eye-opening."

Welch went through two surgeries immediately after the accident. His back, which was practically broken in half as described by his neurosurgeon, was fused together with rods and multiple screws. Fixing his pelvis required two plates. Both surgeries required one-foot-long incisions that are currently stapled shut.

Welch is grateful just to have feeling below his waist, and he's already looking forward to returning to his old life. "What I'm looking forward to the most is getting back to work, being able to take care of myself, and doing daily tasks without assistance," said Welch. "Most of all, I'm looking forward to spending time with my friends and family and getting back to doing the hobbies I love - playing guitar, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors."

As for the accident itself, Welch says he doesn't remember much. "I was driving and suddenly felt my steering wheel starting to shake, and then I lost control of my pickup," explained Welch. "During the first few seconds of my initial roll, I remember feeling myself go upside down and being scared, and then hitting my head."

Welch also recounted the first moments he remembers after coming to, "The first thing I remember when I woke up after the crash was waking up on the ground feeling cold, in pain, terrified to move, and missing my left boot. Then I heard someone talking, so I turned my head and saw a man on the phone calling for help, and asking me what happened, and if I was okay. I didn't realize how lucky I was to be found in such unpredictable circumstances," noted Welch.

A long process of healing and rehabilitation awaits Welch as he tries to move past this ordeal, but he's moving forward with a newfound perspective on life.

"It made me understand how fast and easy something terrifying could happen when you never thought it would. I was reminded of how fragile and important life is," said Welch. "Also, this experience made me realize how important I am to my friends and family, and how important my friends and family are to me. Everyone should always be careful because your life can change in seconds."