MISSOULA – A benefit was held over the weekend to help one of the people who was shot mulitple times in a March shooting spree in Missoula and Evaro.
Casey Blanchard was shot eight times in March in an incident that left one man dead. He sustained injuries to the arm, chest, spine, abdomen, and both of his legs.
Blanchard has undergone 10 surgeries and was moved to rehabilitation on April 16. He is still unable to walk on his own but is making steady progress.
A benefit for the family was held in Stevensville on Saturday. Blanchard’s mother-in-law says the victim’s pregnant wife, Leavella, is by his side in Salt Lake as he continues to recover.
“There’s a lot of things they’re going to have to overcome and be able to fit into a home, a car, whatever. But, I think with our community and our state behind us, they’re not gonna have a problem,” Jamie Calhoon said.
Hundreds of people filled St. Mary’s Parish in Stevensville for a spaghetti dinner, raffle and live and silent auctions. Funds will go directly to the Blanchard family.
Julie Blanchard, Casey’s mom, is also recovering from injuries. She is using a walker and making progress in rehab.
Calhoon has been watching Blanchard’s two sons and driving them to Salt Lake City every couple weeks to visit.
She says he’s thankful to be alive, “it’s been up and down, it’s been a roller coaster ride, but I’m just very blessed to have him with us.”
Shelley Hayes died from injuries and Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Wade Palmer is also recovering in Salt Lake.
All Montana Buffalo Wild Wings locations are donating a portion of their proceeds to the victims’ families on May 13.
A coupon to participate can be found on our website.
