Roofer Burned, Impaled In Freak RivCo Accident: Loved Ones Rally

RIVERSIDE, CA — Supporters are rallying for a man who was burned and impaled in a freak accident last week in Riverside.

A GoFundMe page established for the family of Jade Leitner, a married father of two, had raised $3,645 Tuesday following the accident reported Friday afternoon at 5920 Jasmine Street.

According to the city of Riverside Fire Department, a man — later identified as Leitner by supporters — suffered severe burns and traumatic impalement injuries in the 3:35 p.m. incident.

Supporters and witnesses who spoke to the fire department said Leitner was working on a local business's roof when he came in contact with energized power lines. The jolt knocked him from the building, causing him to fall about 20 feet and become impaled on a wrought iron fence.

Leitner was transported to a local trauma center in critical condition. He underwent surgery Friday to remove the fence from his body, "check his internals, and stabilize his skin burns"; a second surgery was performed Sunday, according to the GoFundMe page.

He suffered burns over 35% of his body and will need extensive skin graftings and multiple procedures, constant hospitalization and monitoring for infection. Doctors were also treating injuries sustained in the fall, as well as performing surgeries necessitated by the impalement, the page reported.

The bizarre accident occurred while Leitner was visiting California from Hawaii to support a friend during a celebration of life for that person's mother, according to the page.

Leitner is the sole provider for his family, running his Ka Makani Roofing in Hawaii. Donations will help with medical expenses and housing in California for the family, the page said.

Doctors told loved ones to prepare for at least a three-month hospital stay in California as Leitner undergoes surgeries and rehabilitation.

Even after insurance, the bills are overwhelming for the family, according to the page.

"Our future is uncertain right now, but we are going to do everything to help him to come out of this for his family," the page reads. "Jade is an amazing Dad who loves his kids Jesse and Beau with everything he has, he is a loving Husband, the greatest Uncle his nieces and nephews could ask for (our uncle 'potato'), a son, brother, friend and so much more!"

To read more and donate to the Leitner family, go to the GoFundMe page here.

One firefighter also suffered minor injuries during Leitner's rescue, according to the fire department.