Last Memorial Day Weekend the White family suffered the loss of their parents Hugh and Alana Issel in a horrific ATV accident in Eagle Canyon. Recently they came back to Emery County to attend an Emery County Search and Rescue meeting to thank those involved in the rescue that day in May 2014.
Cooper White was seriously injured in the ATV crash as he and a cousin were riding with the grandparents at the time of the accident.
Cooper thanked the posse for rescuing him. Brenden White said he was so glad to see the faces of the rescuers that day. Their quick action saved the life of Cooper. “I appreciate so much what you did for us. Cooper is doing so good now and we wanted you to see how good he’s doing.”
Brenden White, Cooper’s father is an optometrist in Salt Lake. He had one of his vendor’s call him and ask what they could do to help out. During the time of Cooper’s recovery, Brenden’s friends filled in at the office for him, so he his optometrist office didn’t suffer.
They came through everything with the help of their friends and wanted to give something back to the rescuers.
The company Revolution EHR is a small mid-west company with 40-50 employees and these employees collected donations and sent Mr. White a check for $2,500 for the search and rescue.
White matched the money collected for a total of $5,000 which they presented to the search and rescue.
Jana White thanked the group of posse members for dedicating their 2014 San Rafael Classic Triathlon to her parents. She said she knows they have a thankless job and they serve the citizens for many volunteer hours and sacrifice time away from their families to help people. At the time of the accident when they were waiting for the helicopter, Cooper received excellent care. They are thankful for the respect showed to their family during this tragic time. The search and rescue packed up their camp and took everything back to Salt Lake for them. “You are so good at what you do,” said Jana White.
Sheriff Greg Funk and posse members accepted the $5,000 check for the posse. “Helping people is what it’s all about, that’s why we do it,” said Sheriff Funk.
Cooper is 9 years old now and in the third grade and doesn’t suffer any lasting troubles from his accident except not being able to ride a bike. His left arm is giving him problems, but he can play tennis, and basketball. He attends Draper Elementary where he is learning to speak Chinese. He enjoys hiking and swimming. He has had seven surgeries to date. One surgery was to allow him to open his mouth more fully.
The family plans to visit Emery County in July for the triathlon. Cooper is doing good and is as smart as he can be.
Jana White said she still struggles with good days and bad days from the loss of her parents, but they are healing with time and they have a lot of good memories of times with her parents. She still marvels at what everyone did for their family and it’s amazing what they did for Cooper.
Evelyn Anderson, who was also in the ATV accident is doing great and looks great.
The donation will be used for supplies for the search and rescue.
White family makes donation to search and rescue
"Emery County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team with the White family in front, Brenden, Cooper, Cameron and Jana; left to right: James Byars, Ross Christiansen, Randy Lake, Brad Reed, Leonard Norton, Pete Alger, Mike Taylor, Jason Jensen, Andy Wall, Jeremy Luke, Lee Magnuson, Brawny Killpack, Ben Orgill, Greg Jewkes, Rod Magnuson, Sheriff Greg Funk, Chuck Ebeling, Wade Allinson, Tanner Hembree, Jerry Price, Jim Jennings, Jeremy Draper, Shawn Jeffs, Chris Winn; Other posse members include: Sgt. Les Wilberg, Chad Lake, Jeff Tuttle, Howard Tuttle, Ken Eley, Rue Bell, Lowell Morris, Clay Oliverson, Courtney Cox, Kirk McQuivey, Tyler Tuttle, Brett Guymon, Layne Potter, Russ Archibald, Casey Toomer, Greg Oliver, Hal Johnson, Jared Anderson, Larry Johansen and Nathan Martinez."