A crowdfunding campaign has been launched for Geraldton father Brodie Stokes, who has been fighting for life in the intensive care unit at Royal Perth Hospital for more than a week following an alleged assault outside his home.
GoFundMe Campaign Raises Over $13,000
The GoFundMe page was initiated by a relative over the weekend, after the alleged assault on Friday, May 15. By Monday morning, more than $13,000 had been donated to support the 43-year-old man and his family.
Mr Stokes was left in a life-threatening condition after being allegedly assaulted by a 22-year-old man from Utakarra. Police say they were called to a Deepdale street around 9:40 pm to investigate an incident involving the victim and the suspect.
Alleged Altercation Stemmed from Hooning
According to nearby residents, the alleged altercation began when a car was hooning up and down the street, prompting Mr Stokes to go outside and ask the driver to stop. A neighbour noted that hooning was common in the area.
A St John WA spokesperson said they received a call for help at 10:06 pm and arrived at the scene 12 minutes later. Mr Stokes was transported to Geraldton Regional Hospital under lights and sirens before being airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital.
The 22-year-old suspect has been remanded in custody and charged with one count of grievous bodily harm. He appeared in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on Sunday, May 17, and is scheduled to appear again on June 18.
Critical Condition and Brain Injury
A Royal Perth Hospital spokesperson confirmed on Monday that the patient remains in a critical condition in the ICU. According to the relative who started the GoFundMe page, Mr Stokes suffered a brain injury and is currently in an induced coma after experiencing a brain bleed and a fractured skull.
“He has undergone surgery to remove part of his skull to help relieve the pressure on his brain, and he is now fighting for his life in the ICU,” the relative said. “This has been an unimaginable and heartbreaking time for our family. While we continue to stay by his side and pray for healing, the medical expenses, ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, and time away from work are becoming overwhelming.”
The fundraising page was established to help the family cover medical costs, hospital and rehabilitation expenses, as well as daily living costs. Mr Stokes’ relative described him as a loving husband, father, son, and friend who has always been the kind of person to help others without hesitation.
“Brodie is a loving husband, father, son, and friend who means so much to everyone around him. Now he needs our help more than ever,” they said. “Every donation, prayer, and share means the world to our family and gives us strength and hope during this critical time.”
