Fund Established to Assist Injured Paloma Valley Counselor

Relatives and friends have created an online fundraising account for Kimberly Montiel, a Paloma Valley High School counselor who suffered a serious brain injury late last month.

Montiel, 42, of Menifee, and another passenger were riding on the tailgate of a pickup truck on the evening of May 25 at the Vail Lake campground off Highway 79 when the pickup slid as it was rounding a turn, according to a California Highway Patrol news release. Montiel was thrown to the ground and hit her head, suffering major injuries.

Montiel has been in intensive care at a local hospital since the injury.

According to the "Give Forward" website established to solicit funds for Montiel's medical bills, "she is not only an advocate for her students, she is also a mentor. Kimberly has a small ranch with horses and many other animals -- some she has adopted and some that have adopted her. Your donations will help support Montiel Ranch, medical bills, and help with the long recovery to getting Kimberly back to her students and back on her beloved horses."

Those wishing to make a donation should visit the Give Forward website.