YAMHILL, Ore. -- Thousands of dollars have been donated to the family of a Yamhill man who was shot in the neck while trying to be a good Samaritan last month.
As of Sunday evening, over $21,000 had been donated to an online fundraiser for the family of 27-year-old David Trivelpiece. Trivelpiece survived the shooting and is currently recovering at a Portland hospital.
Yamhill-area businesses were raising money for the family on their own as well. “The way people have rallied around us and supported us, we couldn’t be more grateful and we definitely feel so blessed to have that support,” said Ambria Newton, Trivelpiece’s sister-in-law. “It definitely makes us just so proud of him.”
According to police, 27-year-old David Trivelpiece was walking with friends near a pizza restaurant in Yamhill on November 24 when he heard gunshots and rushed to help.
Investigators say that Richard Mershon, 67, was fighting with another man after Mershon allegedly pushed a pregnant woman while drunk. During the fight, Mershon fired at least two shots at the man, but missed. After that, Trivelpiece ran from across the street to help but was shot in the neck by Mershon, authorities said.
“That’s totally him. He knows that if someone’s in trouble, he’d step in,” said Newton of her brother-in-law. Trivelpiece was initially listed in critical condition after the shooting but has since stabilized.
“It’s crazy that something like that would happen. Especially to someone in Yamhill,” said Brady Sheets, who also lives in Yamhill.
Although Sheets doesn’t know Trivelpiece well, he’s helping fundraise for the family. On December 15, Sheets plans to raffle off a custom coat rack he made at his metal fabricating business in nearby Gaston.
Sheets’ efforts have so far netted roughly $1,700 for the family. “It’s really good. I’m excited about everyone pitching in and getting together and helping,” Sheets said.
Trivelpiece, a father and husband, faces a long road to recovery, Newton said. “We’re just hoping and praying that we’ll be able to support them and just see him back on his feet again,” she said.
Mershon, who was also hospitalized after the shooting, was later arrested on attempted murder charges.