Fundraiser started for seriously hurt ex-Benton City councilman after deadly rollover

A GoFundMe account has been created for donations to help a former Benton City councilman seriously hurt in a car wreck that also killed his son a week ago.

Timothy A. Small, 58, suffered extensive injuries Dec. 20 and underwent emergency surgery. He is expected to be hospitalized for several weeks, said the fundraising account created by Lisa Small of Richland.

“On top of planning a funeral for their son and trying to heal from extensive injuries, Tim and his wife Kelly also have to worry about mounting medical bills,” she wrote, noting both were self employed and do not have medical insurance.

“If you know the Small family, you know they are an amazing, giving, loving, God-centered family. If you are looking for a way to help this family, please consider donating financially during their time of need,” she said.

By Friday evening, the account had raised about $5,600 for the family.

“If you are unable to help financially, this family has a long, hard road of healing ahead of them and would love if you would pray for them,” she said.

Tim Small was behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang heading east when he lost control, and the car went into the median of Interstate 82 near Benton City and rolled, according to the Washington State Patrol. The car landed in the westbound lane, pinning Small and his son, Levi, inside.

Levi Small, 24, died at the scene, said investigators.

Tim Small, a farmer and irrigation district maintenance foreman, served five years on the Benton City Council and six on the city planning commission in 1990s and early 2000s.