Rochester, MN – A local nurse’s life took an unexpected turn on September 16 when a custody‑escape incident at St. Mary’s Hospital resulted in a serious brain injury. Clint Peterson, a 26‑year‑old registered nurse at the Mayo Clinic, was struck during a deputy’s attempt to subdue a detainee, causing a skull fracture, brain bleed and the need for emergency surgery.
What happened at St. Mary’s
According to a criminal complaint, 43‑year‑old Jascon Jacoby Hollins was in the custody of the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office and receiving medical care at St. Mary’s when he broke free from restraints and ran down a hallway. A deputy pursued and tackled Hollins; the struggle caused both the deputy and Hollins to collide with Clint Peterson, who fell and hit his head.
The complaint states that Peterson suffered a brain bleed that required immediate surgery, followed by an intensive‑care stay and ongoing hospitalization.
Impact on Peterson’s life
Peterson’s best friend of nearly two decades, Matt Wurst, told KROC News that the nurse has always been devoted to caring for others. “He’s the one who takes care of everyone else,” Wurst said, noting that Peterson recently celebrated his one‑year review at the Mayo Clinic and was considering a team‑lead role and a committee position focused on patient safety.
Since the incident, Peterson has faced severe pain, nausea, neurological issues, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. He has also lost his sense of taste and smell. “Some days his pain reaches a 10 out of 10,” Wurst explained. “Normal sounds can hurt, light can hurt, even sitting still can hurt. We often have to make the room dark and quiet to keep him comfortable.”
Family and community response
Peterson is currently unable to live alone and requires one or two people to assist with daily tasks, mobility, and medication management. Despite his own challenges, he continues to worry about the well‑being of his friends and family, striving to remain independent.
To help cover the mounting costs of his recovery, Wurst launched a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser aims to offset medical bills, rehabilitation, transportation to appointments, and everyday expenses such as rent, utilities and food while Peterson is unable to work. The campaign emphasizes that the goal is to allow Peterson to focus on healing rather than financial stress.
How you can help
Donations, both one‑time and recurring, are welcomed through the GoFundMe page. Supporters are encouraged to share the campaign with their networks to broaden the reach of assistance for this dedicated nurse who has spent his career caring for the Rochester community.
Peterson’s story underscores the profound impact that a single moment can have on a caregiver’s life and highlights the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
