Fundraiser underway for injured Nye sheriff’s sergeant

A fundraising effort is now underway for the family of a Nye County Sheriff’s sergeant who was struck by a vehicle late last month while on duty in Tonopah.

Sgt. Duane Downing, who also is the Tonopah Town Board chairman and a community leader, remains hospitalized from the May 21 crash. Downing was directing traffic at a vehicle fire scene in Tonopah when he was struck.

Downing remains in serious but stable condition and is showing positive progress on a daily basis, according to a recent Custom Ink social media post.

Christy Perry, a friend of Downing and his family, organized the Custom Ink fundraiser.

She noted that customized T-shirts are available for purchase at $20 each, where $2,450 has so far been raised.

Perry noted that she personally put together the Custom Ink fundraiser to benefit Downing’s family late last month.

The deadline for that fundraiser is Saturday, June 9.

“I used to work for the town of Tonopah, and Duane is on the town board,” she said. “His wife is a good friend of mine as well, so I organized a fundraiser through Custom Ink, where people can order a customized T-shirt. The proceeds will go directly to his wife. Anyone can either purchase the T-shirt and donate or just make a monetary donation. It’s all being done through the same Custom Ink link.”

Additionally, a GoFundMe account has also been established under the heading Praying for Sgt. Downing. As of earlier this week, more than $3,000 of a $10,000 goal had been generated.

Perry also said a recent poker tournament at the Tonopah Elks Lodge drew in additional funds for Downing’s family.

“I believe they made close to $2,000 with the poker tournament,” she said. “I’m sure the county is taking care of his medical bills because of him being out of work, but the closest hospital is three hours away because there is really no (hospital) care up in Tonopah. His wife is out of work, so she could be there with him at UMC in Las Vegas. Of course, she has to pay for her own lodging and food …”

Moreover, Perry said those who have additional questions about the fundraiser, may contact her via social media.

“The Custom Ink fundraiser ends on June 9,” she said. “I did it for two weeks because they won’t ship the shirts until people had made their order, so the sooner the better for folks who want to contribute to this fundraising effort. If anyone has any questions or concerns they can contact me through my Facebook page.”

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes