Community Rallies Around West Haven Family After Tragic Accident

WEST HAVEN, CT — The community is rallying around a West Haven family after a man suffered life-threatening injuries in a tragic accident last week.

Edwin Morales was bringing Christmas decorations down from the attic of his home on Friday, Nov. 27 when he tripped and fell down the stairs. He sustained life-threatening injuries, including two fractures in his neck, according to family members.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched on behalf of Morales, his wife Michaele and their family.

“To know Michaele Milano Morales and her husband, Edwin of West Haven, is to admire their hard working, generous nature and their incredible selfless devotion to their family and especially their special needs adult son, John,” reads a post on the GoFundMe page, which was organized by Karen Milano.

“After three resuscitations and two surgeries, the doctors cannot say if Edwin will walk again and so far, communication is minimal as he is on a respirator,” Milano wrote. “Added to this is the heartbreak that his family, including wife Michaele, adult son Michael and daughter Angelina are not able to be by his side due to pandemic precautions.

“Together, Edwin and Michaele have been a team with the challenge of caring for a special needs adult child who requires constant care while also working to support their family. The burden this tragedy will place on the family is tremendous, they have a long road ahead and with one of the income earners unable to work, the financial burden will weigh heavy, as well as accommodations when Edwin comes home.”

The GoFundMe account is raising funds to help defray costs, pay medical expenses, and “get the assistance/care they will need as Edwin recovers,” according to Milano.

More than $3,300 has been raised within the first day of the campaign, as of Thursday night. (Update: More than $4,600 has been raised as of Friday morning).

In an update Friday morning, Milano said the breathing tube has been removed and "Edwin is breathing on his own and has some movement on one side of his body."

"He is communicating with the doctors, this is all very good news," she said. "Please continue to pray for the best possible recovery for Edwin as he continues his journey in healing."

For more information, or to make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page here.

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