Community rallies around Sonoma Valley High Sports Hall of Famer John McNeilly after crash

Lifelong family friend Matt Wirick described John McNeilly as a “fixture of Sonoma.” The basketball coach and member of the Sonoma Valley High School Sports Hall of Fame was not only raised here, he brought up his family in Sonoma Valley as well. His life revolves around this place.

So it was no surprise that when McNeilly was in need, plenty of friends and community members eagerly stepped forward to help.

McNeilly, a manager at Costco in Novato, was driving home from work on Feb. 21. A witness spotted his car near where Highway 101 North drops onto Highway 37 East, a mangled mess of metal after what appears to be a solo vehicle accident.

“He ended up needing to be extradited from the car,” Wirick said, adding that first responders said it looked like he tried to get out of the vehicle on his own, but was not able. “We have no idea what happened (to cause the crash).”

McNeilly was taken to a hospital in Marin County, where he has required a series of trauma surgeries. “Between medication and equipment, it has made communication with him nearly impossible,” Wirick said.

McNeilly’s daughters, Emma and Megan, have stayed by his side, but at this point, his prognosis and the extent of his recovery is still being determined while doctors work to repair the injuries. The accident sparked Wirick and other friends to start collecting donations. While they’re not sure what exactly he will need, they want to make sure it’s covered financially.

“It’s the cushion that will allow him to focus on healing,” Wirick said.

Wirick set up a GoFundMe account that aims to raise $50,000 for McNeilly’s recovery. As of Monday afternoon, it hard garnered almost $28,000. Additionally, eight bars and eateries have stepped up to “Fill the Boot” for McNeilly. With cowboy boots “borrowed from Sonoma old-timers,” according to Wirick, these institutions are encouraging patrons to give cash for the cause, which began on Thursday at B&V, Swiss Hotel and Steiner’s Tavern.

For the longterm, Wirick is setting up the John McNeilly Medical Trust at Exchange Bank, where donations can be made beginning in the next few days.

“He’s just that guy, always willing to pitch in and help out, whatever the cause,” Wirick said. “I think he’s every bit deserving of our support.”

Contact editor/publisher Emily Charrier at emily.charrier@sonomanews.com.