CALIFORNIA, Md. — An overwhelming show of community support has poured in for a Southern Maryland family after a local power lineman was seriously injured while working to restore electricity following last week’s snowstorm.
A Meal Train® fundraiser created for the Reynolds family has raised $23,560 from 188 donors as of February 25, 2026, far exceeding the initial $5,000 goal.
Zach Reynolds, a power lineman for Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), was injured on the night of Feb. 23 while crews were restoring power to residents affected by the storm.
According to Jason Murray, a supervisor who was overseeing the restoration efforts, crews were working miles off the roadway in difficult terrain, climbing utility poles to repair damaged lines.
“Unexpectedly the pole Zach was climbing broke at the ground and he fell to the ground,” Murray wrote in a social media message shared with the community. He noted that all safety procedures and personal protective equipment protocols were in place at the time of the incident.
“In matters of seconds my life changed forever,” Murray wrote. “I had to make phone calls I never want anyone to make and I never want to experience almost losing a brother.”
Reynolds sustained serious injuries that will require time and ongoing support as he recovers. Organizers say he is healing but faces a long road ahead.
Reynolds is described as a devoted husband to his wife, Dana, and a dedicated father of two children. He is also a combat veteran who proudly served the United States.
The Meal Train fundraiser was created to help ease the burden on the family by providing meals, donations and other forms of support during his recovery. Organizers say any assistance is greatly appreciated and will directly help the family during this difficult period.
Community members wishing to contribute can donate through the Meal Train page at:
https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/ke9v3z
Supporters say the rapid response reflects the deep appreciation many Southern Maryland residents have for the utility crews who work in dangerous conditions to restore power during storms — and the tight-knit nature of the local community rallying behind one of its own.
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