Fundraiser supports salon closed after owner’s son critically injured

May 18, 2026  |  By Lisa Scagliotti

Sunflower Salon on North Main Street in Waterbury. Courtesy photo

Sunflower Salon on Main Street in Waterbury remains temporarily closed since mid-April as owner Kelly Richardson has focused on her son’s hospital treatment following a motorcycle crash in Marshfield.

“Due to a serious motorcycle accident involving my son on April 17, I had to make the immediate decision to close my business without any formal announcement,” she wrote in a note to clients on social media recently. 

Richardson’s son, Jake Siegel, 20, is a 2024 Harwood Union High School graduate employed at The Source/Foreign Car Specialists in Berlin. Now a month since the crash, he remains hospitalized and recovering from multiple injuries. 

To assist Richardson, friend and former Stowe Street Cafe owner Nicole Grenier launched an online fundraiser on the website GoFundMe. 

Jake Siegel is a 2024 Harwood Union High School graduate. File photo

“The funds raised here will go directly toward covering her son’s medical bills, travel expenses, and helping Kelly keep Sunflower Salon afloat during this incredibly difficult time,” Grenier explains on the fundraising site. “Thank you for showing Kelly that she’s not alone, and for helping her focus on what matters most—her son’s recovery.”  

So far, the fundraiser has received more than $15,000 in donations. The fundraiser’s goal is $22,000.  

Sunflower is a hair salon and women’s clothing boutique on North Main Street next door to The Reservoir. 

Richardson said she eventually would like to reopen her business part-time, and when ready, will begin contacting clients who have left messages to schedule appointments. 

In an update posted on May 7, Grenier said Siegel “remains in critical condition and has had to endure multiple reconstructive surgeries and blood transfusions with more to come.” She stressed that the salon remains closed. “Kelly is simply unable at this time to know day-to-day when she may be able to reopen Sunflower Salon.”

Richardson thanks the community for its generosity and understanding. “Your kindness, patience, and support are much appreciated,” she writes.

Crash under investigation

According to Vermont State Trooper Dalton Maenpaa, the April 17 crash is still under investigation. The incident happened just after 5:30 p.m on U.S. Route 2 in Marshfield near the intersection with Vermont Route 215. The weather and road conditions were clear at the time, according to the report. Siegel was riding a 2005 Suzuki GSX-R600 and illegally passed two vehicles on the left, Maenpaa said. 

The motorcycle collided with a 2013 Subaru Outback as it was turning left onto VT Route 215 in Marshfield. Siegel suffered serious bodily injuries and was transported by East Montpelier EMS to Central Vermont Medical Center. He was later airlifted by DART to UVM Medical Center in Burlington, according to the trooper’s report. 

The driver of the Subaru, Nicholas Halstead, 30, of Barton, was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured, police said. 

The motorcycle had right-side damage; the car’s driver’s side wheel well was damaged, according to the report.