Kamloops cowboy was corralling horses in distress when he was struck by a train
Credit to Author: Lora Grindlay| Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2020 21:01:57 +0000
A Kamloops cowboy is on the mend after he and his horse were struck by a train during Sunday’s snowstorm.
Jordan Camille is recovering in hospital with a broken shoulder, concussion and lacerated kidney following the collision, while Rory, the horse he was riding at the time, died in the collision.
Family friend Michelle Ikwumonu confirmed the information in an interview with Kamloops This Week, speaking on behalf of Jordan’s wife, Candice.
Ikwumonu has created an online GoFundMe campaign to cover medical and living expenses as Jordan, who makes a living as a horse trainer, will be out of work for some time.
“I just wanted to set up this GoFundMe page because this family is one of the most kind, loving, giving, generous families out there. They’re a young family, too,” Ikwumonu said, noting the tough road ahead for the Camilles.
Jordan was called on Saturday night by the Tk’emlups te Secwépemc band to corral some horses reported to the band as being in distress, Ikwumonu told Kamloops This Week.
After heading out on Sunday morning, Jordan called Candice to tell her he found a single horse and was going to arrange for it to be picked up. About 30 minutes later, Candice received another call from Jordan, saying he woke up not knowing where he was, then hung up.
Ikwumonu said Candice then called 911 with a rough description of Jordan’s last location.
“Candice just kept telling the operator to search for the horse because she knew the horse wouldn’t leave Jordan,” Ikwumonu said.
Emergency personnel were called on Sunday morning to a report that a horse and rider had been struck by a CN train in Rayleigh. Kamloops RCMP Sgt. Sascha Fesenko said the collision occurred at about 10:30 a.m. in the area of Devick Road, off Highway 5. The area was being pummelled by a winter storm at the time that produced blizzard-like conditions.
Ikwumonu told Kamloops This Week Candice has learned from a CN report that Rory was struck by the train and Jordan was thrown from the horse. Ikwumonu said the report indicated train personnel spotted the horse on the tracks from about 100 metres, but the train was not able to be stopped in time.
CN declined comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
Ikwumonu said Jordan’s memory of the event is “shaky at best,” noting he last recalls putting Rory on the road beside train tracks as he tried to move the horse to an underground tunnel. Jordan was keeping his head down to block his eyes from the blowing snow.
“That’s the last thing he remembers — then he remembers waking up in the ICU [intensive-care unit] at Royal Inland Hospital],” Ikwumonu said.
The Go Fund Me page has a goal of raising $15,000 to help the Camilles as Jordan recovers from his injuries. The fundraising page can be found online here (or by going to gofundme.com/f/horse-amp-cowboy-hit-by-traincowboy-needs-community).
Ikwumonu said Jordan and Candice are grateful for the well wishes, prayers and financial support they’ve received.
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