January 24, 2026, was just like any other night Rick and Mary had spent in their home of over 45 years. The same home where they raised their children and have hosted these same children and the families they have each created for several holidays and family gatherings. Things took a drastic turn around 8:30 pm, when Rick and Mary's home exploded, throwing Rick a considerable distance and ultimately trapping both under debris. Rick was able to regain his bearings, clear himself from the debris on top of him, and locate Mary, then free her from it. Rick and Mary took shelter in a vehicle on the property, trying to stay warm in the frigid temperatures outside.
A neighbor close to the family, one of many in the area hearing the loud explosion, went looking for the cause of this startling late-night noise. The neighbor found Rick and Mary's home severely damaged, leveling the entire home. Lone Rock Fire, Lone Rock EMS, Richland County Sheriff's Office, and Richland EMS all responded to Rick and Mary's home. Rick and Mary were assessed on scene, before being transported to the Richland Hospital and later taken to UW-Madison by Medflight for significant burns and injuries.
Rick and Mary are not alone — they have a large and deeply devoted support system — but getting back on their feet will be an enormous financial undertaking, and every bit of help makes a difference.
Please join us on April 4th to show Rick and Mary just how much this community loves them. Come out, bring your friends and family, and help us lift this incredible couple up when they need it most.
💛 All proceeds benefit Rick and Mary directly.
More details on activities, food, and ways to contribute coming soon. For questions or to find out how else you can help, please reach out via this event page.
Please share this event far and wide — the more people who know, the more we can do for Rick and Mary!
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