One of two Doniphan County residents injured in a Jefferson County crash is now released from hospitalized care, and a benefit fund established in his name.  

According to friend Bethanie Lobdell, 19-year-old Gary “Bear” Koelliker, following a  Hospital stay in Topeka,  was then transferred to the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska, but then discharged to continue his recovery with family. 

However, Lobdell says the expenses, both medical and for travel, continue to add up for Koelliker's family, and that's why the benefit fund was established at Union State Bank in Horton. 

Donations-big or small-may be sent to the bank at 301 East 15th Street, Horton, Kansas, 66439. 

Koelliker is a resident of Highland. 

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Dyllon Butrick, of White Cloud, remains hospitalized at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. 

According to the online journal, tracking his recovery at caringbridge.org, Butrick remained in the intensive care unit as of Friday. However, he is continuing to make progress, with a post Sunday indicating that he has been freed from much of the medical equipment, but remains on a ventilator at night. 

On Saturday, a strong showing of support was given for Butrick, during a fundraiser ATV Run/Fishfry held in Fairview. 

The wreck happened around 1:45 on the morning of April 6th,  east of Perry. 

Koelliker was behind the wheel as he and Butrick were returning home after attending a concert in Lawrence.