Fundraiser set for couple injured in Larimore house explosion
Family, friends and neighbors are being called on to help a couple whose life has been devastated by disaster. A fundraiser for Justin McMahan, 23, and Danielle Bissell, 22, is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Larimore Flower Shop.By: Brandi Jewett, Grand Forks Herald
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Family, friends and neighbors are being called on to help a couple whose life has been devastated by disaster.
A fundraiser for Justin McMahan, 23, and Danielle Bissell, 22, is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Larimore Flower Shop.
McMahan and Bissell were severely injured in an explosion that destroyed their home June 27 near Larimore. Bissell’s 6-month-old daughter, Samantha, was killed in the blast.
After the explosion, the couple was transported to Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, then transferred to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.
“Everything they have is gone,” said Joleen Landis, owner of the Flower Shop.
Landis said the fundraiser will be a “no-bake, bake sale” meaning there will be no cookies or cake.
Instead, those wishing to help the couple can drop off donations at the Flower Shop or send checks to P.O. Box 369 Larimore, ND 58251. All checks should be made to Thrivent Financial.
Donations also can be sent to the Bissell and McMahan account at Riverfork Federal Credit Union in Grand Forks. A Paypal account also has been set up.
Donations will be put into a fund that will be used to help the couple once they are released from the hospital, Landis said.
The family’s Facebook event page gives regular updates on the pair’s condition.
Authorities believe the explosion was the result of a propane leak. Officials investigating the cause told the Herald they determined the pilot light went out and allowed gas to leak. Then the electric water pump switched on and ignited the gas, causing an explosion heard 14 miles away.
McMahan and Bissell had been renting the house for a year. McMahan was working on a farm and Bissell was finishing college.
Reach Jewett at (701) 787-6736; (800) 477-6572, ext. 736; or send email to bjewett@gfherald.com.
Tags: larimore nd, north dakota, news, fundraisers, updates
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