The wife of an injured Montana Highway Patrol trooper provided more information Wednesday about her husband’s condition.
Lindsey Palmer said her husband, Wade Palmer, remains in critical condition at a hospital in Salt Lake City.
A statement released by the Department of Justice reads:
“Trooper Palmer was shot three times in the head, face and neck. He is stable but his condition is still considered extremely critical. He remains in a medically induced coma at a Utah hospital. He has not regained consciousness since the shooting on Friday. Due to the nature and extent of his injuries, it may be some time before we know more about his prognosis. The family asks for the public’s patience and for their understanding that updates will not necessarily be available on a daily basis. We will keep everyone updated as appropriate via the Highway Patrol and Department of Justice. We remain cautiously optimistic that Wade will continue to see steady improvements. We recognize, however, that the overall understanding of these improvements and what they mean in the long run is still evolving and unknown at this time. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers for Wade and for us.”
The statement also included a request from Montana Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler:
“There have been some false rumors circulating about Trooper Palmer’s condition. While we understand that the chatter can arise from a place of genuine concern and goodwill, please understand that when Wade’s friends and relatives see misinformation posted about his condition, it is very upsetting, especially when they have to take the time and energy to dispel the rumors. With that in mind, please do not circulate or repeat a rumor or information about Trooper Palmer unless it has been verified by the Montana Highway Patrol or Department of Justice.”
“The Highway Patrol has been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement seen in recent days. It is clear the silent majority supports their law enforcement officers. Please continue to keep Trooper Palmer and the Missoula shooting victims in your thoughts and prayers.”
Trooper Palmer, Shelley Hays, Julie Blanchard, and Casey Blanchard were shot near Missoula last Thursday evening and early Friday morning. Hays died from his injuries.
Jonathan Bertsch faces one count of deliberate homicide and three counts of attempted deliberate homicide. His bond was set at $2 million Monday.
Several fundraising efforts have been launched to help the shooting victims:
Click here to donate to a GoFundMe in support of Trooper Wade Palmer.
Click here to donate to the family of Shelley Hayes, who died in one of the shootings.
Click here to help Casey Blanchard, who was also wounded.
- Bond set at $2 million for Missoula shooting suspect
- Montana law enforcement gather at Missoula hearing to support wounded trooper
- Wife of injured Montana Highway Patrol trooper thankful for support
- Utah law enforcement gather to support Montana trooper
- One victim dies in Missoula shooting; suspect charged with several felonies
- MHP “overwhelmed” by support for trooper shot near Missoula
- Trooper airlifted to Salt Lake City; Missoula area shootings under investigation
- Montana Highway Patrol trooper shot near Missoula in critical condition
