A meal train and fund has been established to benefit Nikolas and Caitlin Stalker as Nikolas recovers from a serious injury sustained in a hunting accident on Dec. 28. His wife, Caitlin, is pregnant and due Feb. 7. Submitted photo

SILVER CREEK — A hunting trip this past weekend put a Silver Creek man’s life in the balance. Now as he battles to recover, the village of Silver Creek has been asked to rally around one of its own.

A meal train has been established and monetary donations are being sought to support Nikolas and Caitlin Stalker after Nikolas was injured in a hunting accident on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Nikolas Stalker, 23, of Silver Creek, was shot Saturday morning near Buffalo Road while another hunter he was with, Bobby Ackerman, 34, of Irving, slipped and fell to the ground. As Ackerman fell down a steep hill, his weapon discharged and Stalker was shot in the leg. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office received a call around 10:05 a.m., Saturday.

Stalker was transported to Erie County Medical Center by the Silver Creek Fire Department with serious injuries. According to Stalker’s sister-in-law, Jennifer Taylor, the bullet hit two arteries in his leg, causing him to lose seven pints of blood. He underwent surgery to restore blood flow to his leg.

Stalker’s situation is even more critical because he is due to become a father within the next several weeks. Caitlin Stalker is pregnant with a due date of Feb. 7.

“Over the past few days, Nikolas has overcome countless hurdles, and his mental and physical strength continue to inspire as they always have,” Taylor said. “As the strongest person I know, I have unwavering faith that he will overcome this challenge and be present for the arrival of his first child around February 7.”

Taylor established a meal train and fund to benefit Nikolas and Caitlin Stalker with both due to be unable to work for the foreseeable future. Meals for the two adults can be donated by selecting a date from a schedule for pickups. Monetary donations are also accepted. As of 72 hours after the hunting accident, nearly $4,000 had been raised.

“Nik has always done everything for my sister, Caitlin, including cooking every meal, packing her lunch, and ensuring she starts each day with a nutritious breakfast. Now, it’s our turn to rally around Nik, providing them with the support they need during this challenging time,” Taylor said.

To donate, visit www.mealtrain.com/trains/kdggwv