Employees, friends rally to raise $10K for Ninker

Kyle “Brock” Ninker, 32, of Powell, co-owner of Hansel and Gretel’s in Powell, suffered severe injuries following a motorcycle wreck during the annual Cancer Fun Run Saturday afternoon north of Meeteetse off Wyoming Highway 120.

Ninker faces a long recovery and costly medical bills, particularly for two helicopter life flights, said his employee and friend, Jeff Miller.

Ninker was driving and his wife, Sasha Ninker, was on back of the motorcycle, Miller said.

Ninker was driving a 1998 Kawasaki, according to a Park County Sheriff’s office report.

“Evidence at the scene indicates that the Ninkers were westbound on County Road 3LE when they left the road on the north side traveling over 440 feet before striking the dirt embankment and crashing,” said the report. Ninker admitted to speeding, said the report.

“He took the brunt of the blow,” Miller said. “Anybody knows Brock wouldn’t want it any other way.”

The Kawasaki is totaled. “I was told it’s in pieces,” Miller said.

Miller wanted to dispel any rumors that Ninker was drinking prior to the crash. Sasha was on the bike, so Ninker would not intentionally endanger her.

“I have absolutely no reason to believe he was drinking,” Miller said.

The sheriff’s report made no mention of alcohol.

“Preliminary findings indicate the cause of the crash to be speed and driver error; however no citations have been issued due to the crash still being under investigation,” according to the report.

They were not wearing helmets, Miller said.

SEVERE INJURIES

A helicopter life-flighted Ninker from the scene of the crash to West Park Hospital in Cody and from West Park he was life-flighted to Billings Clinic in Billings, Montana.

Ninker underwent reconstructive surgery to his right leg to repair fractures to his tibia and fibula on Sunday.

“Rods, screws, plates, the whole nine yards,” Miller said.

On Monday, his fractured C4 vertebrae in his neck was removed and replaced with a prosthetic C4. Following surgery Monday, it was discovered Ninker had pneumonia in his left lung, Miller said.

He has a bruised kidney and liver and two broken ribs. Ninker underwent additional surgery Tuesday when doctors put his vital organs back where they belong. At the crash, lower organs were pushed up near his chest, Miller said.

Still, Miller foresees a favorable prognosis. “It will just be a couple weeks healing in the hospital,” he said. “He’s in good spirits, though.”

He is unable to speak due to pneumonia, but Ninker is making wisecracks with a note pad.

“He’s a joker,” said June Peterson-Dunn, a Hansel and Gretel’s employee handling publicity.

“For all he’s been through, he’s been a hell of a trooper,” Miller said.

Sasha suffered a concussion and lacerations to her head. She received 27 staples and four stitches at West Park. Following treatment, she was released Saturday night and made a beeline for Billings, Miller said.

It was the cancer poker run, which Dunn found ironic. “He was trying to make money for them,” she said.

“Brock and Sasha are always trying to give back to the community,” Miller said.

When his father, Russell Miller, died in December 2014, the Ninkers organized a fundraiser with music from the Kosmic Jokers of Red Lodge, Montana. They raised almost $500, Miller said.

The Ninkers organized a juvenile diabetes fundraiser last month. In July, a benefit is planned to raise money for Wounded Warriors. Once again, Kosmic Jokers will play. Bag Lady Sue, a comedian, is also on the Ninker fundraising calendar to raise money for veterans and other soldier-related causes. “I don’t think a month goes by we’re not doing something for someone,” Miller said.

He estimates the Ninkers have raised $15,000 in the last year to help others in need, Miller said.

Since Ninker is always helping others, his employees and friends want to help him by raising money to help cover his medical expenses.

Dunn and Miller said they are endeavoring to raise $10,000 to cover the cost of Ninker’s life flights. Their hope is the money will give Ninker peace of mind while he is recovering.

The Ninkers are always in their employees’ corner whether to raise money when the need arises, to lend an ear or to dispense much needed hugs. “They’re employers, but most of all they’re family,” Dunn said.

“Everyone here (Hansel and Gretel’s) loves Brock and Sasha,” Miller said. “Mama Bear and Papa Bear.”

It is going to be a long road to recovery, but Miller said he is confident Ninker will get back on his feet. “I think Brock will make a full recovery,” he said. “It will just be a long one.”

Ninker is happy to provide jobs for people. There have been times when he has gone without a paycheck to ensure his employees are paid. “His pay came in other ways,” Miller said.

Becky Blanchard will be organizing a fundraiser for Ninker, but the exact date has not been set, Miller said.

Updates on Ninker’s recovery can be found on Facebook at the Hansel and Gretel’s page or Kyle Ninker’s profile. For those wishing to help with medical expenses, go to www.gofundme.com/wf69d6x, Dunn said.

  Kyle ‘Brock’ Ninker was seriously  injured in a motorcycle  accident Saturday. He is   currently receiving treatment  and improving. Courtesy photo

  injured in a motorcycle

  accident Saturday. He is

  currently receiving treatment

  and improving.