PORT ANGELES — Kyle Trussell is one of the few men who can say he picked a fight with an 18-ton Caterpillar D-6 bulldozer and lived to tell the tale.
But his miraculous survival hasn’t come without a cost — both physical and financial. To help support Trussell in his time of need — he currently is unable to work and is surviving on workers’ compensation — fundraisers are set this weekend on Trussell’s behalf, with a free concert tonight in his honor.
On Sept. 28, 2015, Trussell, 33, was working as a surveyor on a city of Port Angeles project at the Port Angeles Regional Transfer Station when his pelvis and legs were crushed by the behemoth, causing extensive injuries.
He has since undergone about 30 surgeries, incurring some $2 million in medical expenses, he said over the phone Wednesday, the one-year anniversary of the accident.
“I am the $2 million man. What a waste of money,” he joked.
“Someone could have had a sweet house.”
Still awaiting a settlement to recoup the money he has lost over the past year without being able to work, and living on workers’ compensation, Trussell is in need of a hand up to get by.
“I am still struggling because it is 60 percent of my wages” offered through workers’ compensation, Trussell said.
“If you are hurt on the job, [Washington state] Labor &Industries usually covers expenses until there is a settlement with whoever was at fault. That will probably be years” before happening.
The money raised will help Trussell pay for living expenses and food, he said.
Trussell is able to walk again, he said, and can drive but is just beginning physical therapy. He hopes to eventually return to surveying full time when ready, he said.
Tonight’s free concert, featuring DJ RoBoTiX and Scott Sullivan, is from 8 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. at The Metta Room, 132 E. Front St., Port Angeles. There is no cover charge to attend.
Trussell joked there will be a two-drink maximum. “Who says that?” he laughed.
He said he will be in attendance.
Then, beginning with a shotgun start at 3 p.m. Saturday, the first foot golf tournament will take place at the Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course, 1965 Woodcock Road in Sequim.
Foot golf is scored the same as golf, with players kicking a soccer ball from the tee to an oversized hole in the fairway somewhere short of the golf green and encountering the same hazards as on the golf course.
The tournament is an 18-hole, two-person alternate shot competition ending at 6 p.m. No soccer cleats are allowed for the foot golf tournament.
Players can pay $30 for the foot golf tournament — $25 if 17 or younger — or $80 for the event and a ticket to a dinner and comedy show benefit beginning at 6 p.m. in 7 Cedars Casino’s Club Seven lounge in Blyn.
The price is $55 for both events for those 17 and younger.
The price for the dinner on its own is $50 for those 21 and older and includes beer or wine. The event — sans alcohol — also is open to those younger than 21 for $30.
The dinner will feature a video about Trussell’s life and a comedy routine by sometimes-stand-up comedian Darren Stephens, a Port Angeles business owner, Trussell said.
Children are allowed to attend with their parents, Trussell said, but families should be aware that the comedian might incorporate swearing or adult themes.
“He has done some shows, and we will see what he has got,” Trussell said.
To sign up, phone Cedars at 360-683-6344, ext. 2, or at the beginning of the event.
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Features Editor Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or at cmcdaniel@ peninsuladailynews.com.
