The next time you think you're safe behind a wall

[rebelracewriter]

While this has nothing to do with Texas racing, it may be an eye-opener for some who thought they far from harm while inside a retaining wall. I've been to this track one time back in 83. It is similar to SAS, high-banked superfast half mile with a similar wall along the front stretch with pits right inside, unless they've changed the layout since then.

 

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From LaCrosse newspaper

 

Updates from whowon.com;

Yes, it is true that Darin and his pit member, Chuck, were hurt very badly at this track. Darin has a broken lower left leg-currently in a soft cast, stitches above his left knee, multiple rib fractures, torn spleen-which they are monitoring very closely, and every bone in his face is broke and he will need multiple surgeries, the wall of his left eye was destroyed and the eyeball fell into his cheek, they examined the eye during surgery and said it was intact and very hopeful that he will not have a vision loss. They are also monitoring a spinal fluid leak in the forehead area-hopeful that will also correct itself. They are currently keeping him very sedated and he is on a ventalator that they hope to take him off of later this afternoon pending a possible surgery this afternoon. He is going to be seen by many surgeons today and after we talk to them we will let you know more. Chuck, however, is not doing as well. He was airlifted from the track and is in critical condition. He did go unresponsive at the track and has been so every since. He moved his hands and feet slightly when he first arrived at the hospital. He also is on a vent and is being heavily sedated. He has multiple injuries as well, broken left leg and left arm, the right leg was mangled pretty good and a lot of muscle damage is done and they are monitoring this very closely so his foot gets the proper blood supply, he also has multiple rib fractures, and a heck of a road rash across the forehead. He needs a few surgeries as well, but nothing will be done until his condition improves. He will also be seen by many specialist today.

 

I will do my best to keep people informed, please understand that we will be doing alot of driving back and forth so the updates may not be as quick as what you would hope. Please keep both of these great guys in your thoughts and prayers. We need them. They both are currently at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, WI. Hopefully, this will help answer a few questions and not start any rumors.

 

Thanks,

Monica (Darin's sister-in-law)

 

Update as of Saturday night

 

Things are looking good for Darin, we visited tonight and we communicated thru paper and pen. He still is on a vent and is sedated, yet arousable and can "write" to us. One of his first questions was how his car was-he was informed that his car was not damaged and he gave us a thumbs up. He still has a long way to go. They are thinking of starting a facial surgery on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the swelling that is present. We are very thankful for the recovery he has made so far, yet we know it is a long road to come. Chuck developed some kidney problems and was placed on dialysis. He continues to be sedated on the vent and is in a drug induced paralysis. Some other vitals have improved and are going in the right direction. He has a long long way to go. He will be having surgery tomorrow morning on his lower right leg and a wound vac will be placed on his calf area to help minimize the risk of infection. He had a repeat head ct today and no changes were reported, there is no signs of bleeding which is also a positive.

 

We are very thankful for all of the phone calls and acts of kindness from everyone. Words can not say how appreciative we are. The medical crew and people at the track that helped these two made a huge difference in their lives, (and ours). Thank you so much! More updates will be posted as I have the info. God Bless and positive thoughts.

 

Monica

[MUmscheid 51]

how did all of this happen??

[txtom]

This is a news article about what happened at LaCrosse.

LaCrosse