Fundraiser Held For A Tulsa Man Injured In Runaway Horse Collision

By Terry Hood and Dan Bewley, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Nearly a month after crashing into a group of runaway horses, a Tulsa man is still in the hospital, suffering from a serious brain injury. 

Brandon Osborn has three young daughters and took care of his wife and mother-in-law. 

Wednesday night, his family hosted several fundraiser's to help pay for his medical expenses.

It was the early morning hours of October 16 when it all started. Dozens of horses had escaped from a farm near U.S. Highway 169 and 56th Street North.

They caused four accidents.

Six horses were killed and two drivers were hospitalized. The most serious was 35-year-old Brandon Osborn. 

“We're just praying that he makes it through,” said Brian Osborn, Brandon’s brother.

Brandon was coming home from work that morning and looking forward to celebrating his 35th birthday, according to his brother. 

Twenty-six days later and he's still in a Tulsa hospital, dealing with a serious brain injury.

Brian doesn't think Brandon knows what happened.

“His mind's jumbled around. He's connecting some of the old memories, but he's still not all there,” said Brian Osborn.

How the horses escaped is still unanswered. Tulsa County admits a contractor was working on a fence in that area, but says they never took the fence down. They only installed a new fence. 

Brian says the family is not sure what happened either, but they have hired an attorney. 

10/20/2009  Related Story: Tulsa Police: Caretaker Blames County For Highway Horse Wrecks

In the meantime, Brian says the crash is weighing on his brother's family. With three young daughters, his wife and mother-in-law to provide for, Brian says they feel lost.

“They're struggling. It's real painful to see him in his condition,” said Brian Osborn.

But Brian says his brother's strong. He even bought him a toy tank to symbolize his courage, saying if anyone can make it through, Brandon will find a way.

Donations are also being accepted at any Bank of America branch to the "Brandon Lee Osborn Medical Fund."

To make a donation, or for more information on future benefits, visit the family's web site.

11/2/2009  Related Story: Benefit To Be Held For Man Injured In Collision With Runaway Tulsa Horses