On September 8th, 2024, Jake Kraus, a resident of Great Falls, and 2nd-year welding student at MSU, was brutally attacked. Jake was walking home from a concert at the Newberry in downtown Great Falls, celebrating his wife’s birthday, when he was followed by about 6 people and attacked in the alley behind the City Bar. He was pushed down and stomped on his head about 20 times, leaving him with a severe traumatic brain injury. What was supposed to be a night to remember quickly turned into a life-changing tragedy.
The attack left Jake with permanent brain damage and a severe traumatic brain injury requiring him to need 24-hour care for the rest of his life. Jake’s wife Chrissy Kraus is a nurse at Benefis, and they have a 4-year-old son Amari. This brutal attack has changed their lives forever.
Rehabilitation for his brain injury is at Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, where he will have to be for at least 3 months. Chrissy has to travel back and forth between Colorado and Great Falls to work to ensure their insurance stays in good standing.
Friends of the family have organized a Fundraising Benefit Event for November 9th at the Black Eagle Community Center, from 2-8 pm. This free-will donation benefit will feature live music, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, and Indian tacos. All money raised will go to medical expenses, living expenses, and needs for Jake’s recovery from his traumatic brain injury. Any assistance in this family crisis is greatly appreciated.
“We would just like to express our gratitude for the support and the prayers that we’ve received thus far for Jake and his family,” explained Destany.
Please Contact Destany (406) 468 – 5020 or Chrissy Kraus (406) 564 – 9002 for any questions or donations.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
