Mount Vernon couple still in hospitals weeks after Deming crash

A couple remains in the hospital two weeks after a head-on crash on Mount Baker Highway.

Marty Thawsh, 68, and his wife Laura Thawsh, 63, were driving west of Deming on the afternoon of New Year’s Day when an eastbound Ford pickup crossed the center line and crashed into their westbound ’04 Honda CR-V.

The couple, from Mount Vernon, had been out that day geocaching — a hobby they’ve taken up in retirement — and were about to go watch the hordes of eagles that feast on Nooksack River salmon in winter, said their granddaughter, Jessica Bowman.

Marty Thawsh suffered a compound fracture of his femur, and fractures to his tibia, fibula and spine, according to charging papers. He was rushed to St. Joseph hospital, stabilized, and transferred to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition. He remained in intensive care Friday, Jan. 15,and has undergone multiple surgeries. He has been breathing through a tube and unable to speak, Bowman said. He’s been able to communicate by squeezing hands and nodding his head.

Laura Thawsh has been recovering at St. Joseph hospital. She suffered broken bones in her chest, leg and back. She has just begun her physical rehabilitation, Bowman said.

One of their dogs, Snookie, a Chihuahua mix, died in the crash. The other, a terrier mix, had nerve damage and a dislocated hip.

The pickup driver, Jake Adam Dubbs, 32, of Deming, remains jailed on suspicion of driving under the influence. He’s being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Two fundraisers — one for the surviving dog, Riley, and one for the couple — have been set up on youcaring.com. Right now the family is prioritizing the veterinary bills, since they’re not covered by auto or medical insurance.

The name of the Thawshes’ granddaughter was corrected on Monday, Jan. 18.

This story was originally published January 15, 2016 at 5:26 PM with the headline "Mount Vernon couple still in hospitals weeks after Deming crash."