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Several blows follow traffic accident
Local musician Les Davidson needs a miracle, a lot of luck and the patience of Job.
He also needs a helping hand from Azle area residents. On May 28, he was involved in an early morning accident that took the life of another man. Davidson was severely injured – he has had two surgeries since then and expects to undergo three more.
The Tuesday after the wreck, he lost his job. Even worse, he learned the week after that that his wife Tia is gravely ill. She needs a miracle to survive because she needs a liver transplant – but probably won’t qualify for one because her kidneys have also failed. Davidson is trying to keep up the monthly premiums for health insurance from his former employer to pay for his wife’s medical expenses – but it’s more than $700 a month. He’s in a wheelchair and unable to go out and get another job. His own medical expenses may eventually be paid for by the insurer of the woman who is at fault in the accident, although currently those bills are beginning to pile up on Davidson’s shoulders as well. The accident remains under investigation, Azle Chief of Police Steve Myers said this week. And just to make starting over especially challenging, late in June someone stole a large black trailer from Davidson’s driveway on Alameda Road that contained all of his musical instruments and other equipment – about $10,000 worth, family members and friends say. That’s one aspect area residents may be able to help with, Davidson’s friend Amanda Allphin said last week. “We think it might still be in the area, and someone will see it parked somewhere,” she said, describing it as “long and black with chrome fenders and a diamond-plate front.” Family and friends gathered last week at Bono’s Chophouse restaurant and saloon in Decatur to hear country music performed by area musicians. They donated their talents while other volunteers held silent auctions and other fundraising activities that ultimately raised more than $4,500 for Davidson’s expenses, his sister Linda Dillinder said this week. Davidson has performed country and western music in the area for 12 years – the past eight with his band One Drink Away. Tia sings with the band, family friend Lynda McGuire said at the benefit concert Sunday. “Les is one of those people who would give the shirt off his back if you needed it,” Dillinder said this week. “I’m getting teary just thinking about him.” He’s living with family members between surgeries, although he is not used to being on the receiving end of a helping hand, she said. “He’s a strong person, loving and helpful to others,” she said. Anyone who has information about the missing trailer is urged to contact Azle police at 817-444-3221. Stolen items inside the trailer include Peavey brand stereo equipment, DBX compressor and limiter and Mackie stereo amplifiers. Those who can offer other help can contact Dillinder at 940-859-4815 or Allphin at 817-223-9149. |
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