Man in critical condition after accident at mill

BONNERS FERRY — A 42-year-old Bonners Ferry resident and Marine, Martin Riebe, was severely injured in an accident at the Fodge Pulp Mill where he was working in Boundary County at 1:20 p.m. on March 21.

Boundary Ambulance, Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, Boundary Community Hospital, and Bonners Ferry Fire Department teams all came together to assist with his extraction.

An orthopedic surgical team from Sandpoint that was on its rotation at the Boundary Community Hospital also arrived on scene at the pulp mill to assist with the accident.

The incident resulted in the amputation of a leg, severe pelvic injuries, and abdominal injuries which resulted from Riebe being caught in the machinery.

“After stabilizing the patient on scene, the patient was transported with multiple traumatic injuries to Kootenai Health,” Boundary Ambulance officials reported in their Facebook post. “We appreciate the efforts of all agencies who assisted in the afternoon’s difficult rescue and especially the physicians and staff from Boundary Community Hospital who came when requested.”

Riebe was then taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Wash., where he underwent various surgeries with more to come.

His wife, Shannon Riebe, shared online about his condition, saying, “I would like to thank all those around the world for their overwhelming response to help our family in any way possible. It’s impossible to plan for such a tragedy. He has been heavily sedated since the accident, however he is not in a coma. He does respond when spoken to and touched.”

With a large response from not only the local communities, but concerned people from all over, the Riebes extended their gratitude.

“Prayers are Martin’s life line,” Shannon Riebe said. “Prayers reach the heart of God. Prayers heal and prayers bring peace. Please don’t stop your plea to God to spare his life. Martin is sure fighting the good fight, and as of now he’s winning.”

So far, he has undergone several surgeries and has more coming in the future. The family of nine is currently unsure of specific needs, and have extended appreciation online of the continued support.

There is a GoFundMe page set up by a close friend of the Riebe family, which is continuing to raise funds in order to support any costs that the family may need. The Riebes will continue to keep everyone updated as there are more surgeries and rehabilitation to come.

The link to the supporting page is: www.gofundme.com/support-the-riebe-family and donations may also be dropped of at Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty at 6606 Lincoln St.