Benwood Councilman Hospitalized Following Accident
Benwood Councilman Robert Rose is in an intensive care unit in Morgantown with two punctured lungs, a fractured back, a broken sternum and broken ribs following a weekend vehicle accident involving him and his wife, Karen.
Rose said via text message Monday he expects to “be back to 100 percent,” but he faces at least 12 weeks of rehabilitation for his injuries.
The incident occurred Saturday on Interstate 70 near Taylorstown, Pa., when Rose’s sport-utility vehicle flipped and rolled over, trapping him and Karen inside. Karen Rose was pulled from the vehicle through its sun roof and was transported to Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, where she was held overnight for observation before being released.
Robert Rose was cut from the car and transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.
Pennsylvania State Police had not released a report on the accident as of Monday evening.
“Karen and I are overwhelmed by all of the prayers and support through our time of recovery and healing,” Rose said. “Karen was released from OVMC and is down here with me. She is very, very sore.
“I will remain in ICU for a least a couple more days … . I have a broken sternum, two collapsed lungs, five broken ribs and a fractured back. I’m not allowed out of bed until my back brace gets here. By looking at our SUV, both of us shouldn’t be here today.
“Thank God for air bags and most importantly our Lord and savior. I’ll have 12 weeks of rehab and hopefully (will be) back to 100 percent,” he said.
Rose was a longtime funeral director with Kepner Funeral Home in Wheeling, but for more than a year he has been employed as general manager and funeral director at William G. Neal Funeral Homes in Washington, Pa.
Benwood City Council is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. today, and it is likely members will be discussing Rose, according to Mayor Ed Kuca.
“We are very concerned,” Kuca said. “Bob is such a great councilperson. We will do everything in our power to help him in any way we can. He will be in our prayers. We will chip in whenever needed. If there are problems in his ward, we will cover them. Whatever needs he has, we will be there for him.
“We will pray for a speedy recovery,” Kuca continued. “I can’t wait until I see him again sitting at his desk in (council) chambers.”
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