Jennings paralyzed

CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

KERMIT, W.Va. — A West Virginia State Police trooper was severely injured while working at his home Saturday in Kermit.

Trooper R.J. Jennings, based in Mingo County in the Williamson Detachment, has been hospitalized after falling off a roof, according to a social media post from the West Virginia Troopers Association.

The post read, “One of our brothers suffered a tragic accident last night and needs our help!! While working on a roof yesterday, Trooper Jennings fell off, breaking both arms, both wrists, and his back in multiple places. Trooper Jennings is currently in the hospital and will require multiple surgeries during his healing process. If you are in the position to help Trooper Jennings, please do. If you are not, please just pray for him and his family!” –West Virginia Troopers Association.

The Facebook post said Jennings suffered fractures in both arms and wrists and a broken back. The incident has left Jennings paralyzed from the chest down.

Several sources have started fundraising for Jennings. Restaurants in Williamson will donate a percentage of their proceeds later this week toward medical bills for Jennings. There is also a GoFundMe page on social media.