Benefit honors local hero after serious motorcycle accident

The Boone County snow plow driver once hailed as a hero continued to fight to recover Saturday after a April motorcycle crash.

Family, friends and strangers gathered in Callaway County Saturday for a Poker Run and auction later at Mokane Bar and Grill.

“The friendship we’ve felt from these bikers who have come out here today, these people we don’t even know, has been overwhelming,” said Irwin’s wife Jessica. “It’s been amazing, they’re just here to support a fellow rider.”

Jessica Irwin said about 150 bikers showed up for the Poker Run.

Irwin remained in the hospital Saturday, fighting an infection that his wife said is common for people with his injuries. She said he remained in a lot of pain and on heavy medication.

“He’s getting better everyday,” she added.

Irwin crashed his motorcycle on U.S. 63 south of Columbia in April. His family said some of the first people on scene were trained trauma nurses, and his injuries could have been fatal without them.

ABC 17 News first met Irwin after a large snowstorm in March of last year.

Hundreds of cars were stranded, blocking routes on major roadways across Boone county and Columbia and an ambulance transporting a man suffering from a heart attack needed to get through. That’s when Irwin, a worker for Boone County Public Works, helped plow a path all the way to University Hospital and helped saved a life.