March 3, 2023 4:00 a.m.

Family members have identified a Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy seriously injured due to a crash while in her patrol vehicle Monday night, and have started a fundraiser to assist her while she focuses on making a full recovery.

DCSO Deputy Chelsea Thomas was hurt while on duty when she lost control of her vehicle due to thick hail on Highway 38 in the Elkton area. An Oregon State Police report said the SUV left the roadway and struck a tree, finally coming to rest against a second tree at about 11:20 p.m. Thomas was extricated from her vehicle by a second deputy and was initially transported to CHI Mercy Medical Center.

Sister Angela Zelsdorf said Thomas will be in a back and neck brace for an extended amount of time. Zelsdorf said she is thankful her sister survived the wreck and is on the mend. Zelsdorf said, “Prayers for recovery and strength are appreciated as well”.

Zelsdorf has started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover some of her sister’s expenses during this time. She hopes that Thomas will be able return to serving the community after taking the appropriate time to heal.

To view the GoFundMe, visit: https://gf.me/v/c/72s/deputy-148-on-the-rise