A well-known Cowichan Bay couple needs help, after an attack at Pier 66 by two men on Tuesday, May 28 has left Anita Laminman travelling to hospital in Victoria to support her partner Jody Williams, who is in a medically induced coma.
According to a GoFundMe page set up for Anita, Jody, 58, was airlifted from the dock in Cowichan Bay to hospital in Victoria after he sustained two cracks to his skull and suffered brain haemorrhaging. He was rushed into surgery to remove a piece of his skull to allow for the swelling, and also had to have a section of his left frontal lobe removed.
“Doctors anticipate that even after Jody wakes up, he will be in the hospital for many months — it could even be upwards of a year,” the GoFundMe page says.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP have arrested two men for assault causing bodily harm in the case. One is a 41-year-old man from Cowichan Bay and the other is a 49-year-old man from Sidney. Investigation has determined that Jody confronted the two men for allegedly urinating off the pier. In the ensuing physical altercation, Jody was hit by one of the men, then hit his head as he fell.
The two suspects in the case have been released from custody pending the outcome of the investigation.
“We have interviewed a number of witnesses and received cell phone video from one witness. We are asking anyone who has not already spoken to police and has information about this incident to call us,” said Inspector Chris Bear, Officer in Charge, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
Jody has been working as a carpenter/handyman in the area, and Anita had just returned to work after a long medical leave, so this has created significant financial strain, the GoFundMe explained. Anita is also on a specific diet where she needs to eat regular meals throughout the day. “Other generous folks in the Bay have made sure that she has access to a 12-volt cooler that can be run through her truck,” the GoFundMe says.
Money raised will go towards gas, parking, vehicle maintenance and food, which is estimated to cost approximately $1,320 per month.
As of Wednesday morning, the campaign had raised $1,970 of a $2,000 goal.
Anita and Jody also both have boats in Cowichan Bay. To save costs, Anita is looking to take one of them out of the water and put it into storage, which Marlin Motors has generously donated. But to do it, Anita still needs access to a boat trailer for a couple of days.
If you can help, contact the family through the GoFundMe (www.gofundme.com/help-fund-anitas-trips-to-the-hospital?fbclid=IwAR1oAJLGIDeRv0kN-Ps0NsfjdePR2fVyBJvbLEIoqbm1DfVjauQZDp8ryS4).
