Family In Disbelief After Freak Accident Leaves Cop Badly Burned
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DENTON (CBSDFW.COM) - The family of a veteran police officer who tripped, fell into a bathtub and suffered burns on 40 percent of his body is coming to grips with the freak accident.
Ken Taylor, who served decades with Rowlett Police and now works for the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, is in the hospital in critical condition after suffering 2nd and 3rd degree burns from the incident.
His family suspects he tripped, grabbed the water spigot and turned it on full blast as he fell. They found Taylor unconscious after the terrible accident.
"I thought you can't make this stuff up. So it must be real," said Keith Taylor, the victim's brother. "It's just one of those freak accidents."
Keith Taylor said he never fathomed his brother would suffer his most severe injury off-duty.
"He opened his eyes but there's really nobody there because he's so heavily sedated. It's hard to look at him," said Keith Taylor. "It is tough. I broke down a few times."
Dozens packed into a Garland restaurant on Wednesday night for a fundraiser, hoping to help offset his mounting medical bills.
"We wanted to do something to help them out because they do so much for our community so that's the least we can do," said Julian Olalde, a friend of the family.
Keith Taylor said knowing everything his brother has endured while on patrol, he knows his brother will pull through.
"He is a fighter. You can't spend over 30 years in law enforcement and not be," said Keith Taylor.
Friends have set up a GoFundMe account to help the family out during this tough time.
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