Collection Drive for Family of Brighton Man Struck by Deer

After hearing the news that one of their co-worker’s husband had been involved in a serious motorcycle accident, employees of the Fiesta Mexican Restaurant and Cantina began pooling their money together, saving their tips and any extra cash to help out their friend.

Patrick Byrne, a 1990 Brighton High School graduate, who was struck by a deer while riding his motorcycle last Saturday night, is currently in a coma after being transported to the University of Michigan hospital.

"At first (police) thought the deer hit the motorcycle," Fiesta Mexican owner Janet Guiboard said. "But then after they investigated.... the deer literally came up to leap over him and the motorcycle but went right into him." 

Guiboard said police determined that the deer came at the bike from the side where Patrick Reid would not have been able to see or prevent the incident.

Swelling from Byrne’s brain has made it impossible for doctors to determine the extent of his injuries and his wife, Paula, remains constantly by his side.

"They have no way of knowing how is brain is functioning because it is so swollen," she said. "Paula's up there every day and she's just heartbroken."

Paula Reid has been a waitress at Fiesta Mexican since they opened in Hartland three years ago and according to Guiboard, Paula and Patrick Reid "did everything together."

"They're just one of those couples," she said.

The couple have one son who attends Hartland High School and while friends and co-workers continue to collect money every day for the family, another community collection has also been started by the Hartland Moms group.

According to the What's Happening at Hartland Lakes ElementaryFacebook page, anyone wishing to donate to the family can visit Fiesta Mexican where a collection jar is available for monetary donations, gift cards and gas cards.

For more information on how to donate to the family, contact Fiesta Mexican Restaurant and Cantina at 810-632-9365.