Split Coconut owner is hurricane victim By Tony Richards on 19 June, 2012

Split Coconut owner is hurricane victim

By Tony Richards on 19 June, 2012

Updated 20 June, 2012

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Brad Lopez, owner of the Split Coconut in Puerto Escondido

UPDATE: Bernice Betts advises that anyone who does internet banking in Canada can go into their internet account and arrange for a donation payment by using the following information. Enter the recipient's email address as jupatab@shaw.ca and enter a question of your choosing that leads to the answer/password, BradLopez. Betts asks that donors send her an email at jupatab@shaw.ca so she can pass it along to Lopez, and  to send an acknowledgement of receipt.
Split Coconut Restaurant owner Brad Lopez is in a hospital in Oaxaca after suffering a serious head injury just as Hurricane Carlotta was about to strike on Friday evening. Friends of Lopez say he was preparing his Playa Marinero beachfront restaurant for the storm when he fell.
He spent the next two days in the Puerto Escondido hospital where he underwent surgery for a fractured skull, and was later moved by ambulance to Oaxaca for further assessment.
Friends have rallied this week in support, setting up bank accounts and systems for the payment and transfer of donations to assist Lopez with his medical and other expenses. In Puerto Escondido, Susie Hirschfield (missinformation282@yahoo.com) is coordinating donations, which may be dropped off at her home in Pueblito.
In Canada the process is being coordinated by Bernice Betts and in the United States by Lopez' step-brother Dale McFann. Cheques may be mailed to Betts at 11653 Jupata Way, North Saanich BC Canada V8L 5K1 and to McFann at 52 CR 301, Mountain Home, AR 72653. Donations may also be made to Betts through bank transfers by Internet or through a Canadian branch. Details are available from her at jupatab@shaw.ca.
The funds collected will be transferred to Hirschfield, who will forward the money to Lopez.
Betts asks if Canadian donors would try to make a donation prior to Tuesday, June 26, prior to holiday celebrations in both Canada and the U.S. Funds that arrive after that date will be forwarded later.
"Many thanks to any of you who can see your way to helping," Betts said in an email.
Lopez has more than 100 stitches in his head following the operation in Puerto. There were fears of paralysis but that danger has subsided. "At last report, Brad is feeling much better," McFann said in an email.
Staff are reported to be plannng to reopen the Split Coconut, although a large palm tree fell on the restaurant's roof during the storm. Lopez arrived in Puerto Escondido a dozen years ago and has operated the restaurant ever since. Situated under the palm trees on the beach at Playa Marinero, it is also the home of the annual series of concerts called Puerto Music.