There was a crash at Blackhawk, in Intermediate I believe, on 7/9 that required air medical services. I was waiting for commentary to appear here about what happened and how the rider is doing but, I haven't seen anything. Perhaps it's not proper for me to ask but, well, no one ever accused me of bring proper so, does anyone have any updates?
Regardless of what the rider's current status is, conversations like these are best kept "offline". My 2 cents.
It's not right to talk about those types of things. HIPPA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, makes it illegal to do so. If the person involved would like to share. They can. But I make it a point to never talk about those situations. A rider crashed at Laguna Seca this weekend. Their back was sore. They were taken to medical to get checked out. Ended up being was fine. They gave them some Advil and sent them on their way. By the time we got back to the track in the AM. The story was the rider had a broken back. Thus it's always best to not share anything. It's just best to hang out. If the individual would like to share. That is their choice to do so.
I was primarily interested in how the incident occurred and lessons to be learned from it. While curious about the person's status, I recognize their status as none of my business; I was simply (and inappropriately I now see) trying to be polite by asking. My real motivation was to understand what had occurred. Incidents like this one make my wife (who was there) start asking questions about why I ride. Understanding what happened might allay her fears and might educate me further on how to avoid such situations. It happened at the bus stop but, by the time we heard the noise and looked up from where we were camped, it was all over. So, if I could rephrase and ask "does anyone know how this incident unfolded?" is that ok? (no sarcasm meant - asking honestly - hard to tell in text I know)
Thanks for the clarity. Please don't take my post as any sort of harshness for your question. It was more informational. I was not there, so I cannot comment on the situation. It's often very difficult to determine the cause of a crash. Sometimes there are a variety of factors. Maybe decisions made by two riders that conflicted what each thought the other would do. Anomalies, like debris on the track, wildlife, or other unknowns. An error made by a rider that caused them to deviate from their normal path of action. Sometimes everything happens so fast, it's tough to intemperate. Other times, what happened is purely subjective based on a persons point of view. Perhaps someone that was there has something to add.
I don't get it, why is it illegal to talk about it?? I've never heard that before. Doesn't seem illegal when accidents are reported on the news and people are injured or even lose their lives. Now, as for mentioning the name of the person involved, that's a different story. But some of us are genuinely worried about people, even if we don't personally know them, when you see someone laying down in the middle of the track not moving and then 15-20 minutes later you see the helicopter pick them up and take them away. That indicates "serious shit", and it's kind of hard not to be worried about it. I could care less about who's fault it was or to point fingers at anyone, or even the person's name...but I simply want to know what the condition of that person is and if they're going to be ok.
It's not a violation of HIPAA. Unless you're somehow employed by a health care provider or privy to protected health care info. Whether it's good form is a different story, but I think most people would appreciate others being concerned about them. That being said, concern and speculation are two different things.
I was there when it happened, pretty damn close to the scene. The reason I said it should be kept offline is because more often than not some idiot (not that they reside on this forum) makes a comment which totally takes away from the concern of the community. I wish nothing but the best for said rider and his family as it's been on my mind all week. However, out of respect, I refuse to comment.
Not sure whats being talked about... nothing wrong with wondering if someone is ok or if someone heard about a accident or incident. I swear for being a "hardcore sport" some are to sensitive. I dont think anyone is here to judge, sometimes shit happens in a split second and we make the best judgment we can in that split second. I would never put someone at fault or believe anything was intentional to another rider or them selves.. shit happens
All, I have been in direct contact with the family of the injured rider. I will not disclose the name even though it was permitted by the family. If you don't know who it was at this point then I don't think it makes any difference. Please don't mistake that as being uncaring or inconsiderate. I believe it is respectful to lean towards allowing the family to announce the who it is. The incident was a solo induced "high-side" and the rider suffered an acute head trauma. Other than the head injury no other injury was significant. Obviously, any head trauma is a big deal and the BFR ALS team immediately recognized the significance and ordered a life flight. He is stable, but at this point only time will tell. There is simply no conclusive way to determine how this will play out long term for him. I will be calling the family again tomorrow to check in and I will update everyone if a change occurs. Although these incidents are rare it can happen and it pains all of us because we care about each other. Please keep him in your thoughts and maybe, even if you aren't religious oriented, send a prayer to him. It costs nothing...
I was the one who crashed at Blackhawk. I don't remember anything about the crash, which is probably a good thing. I just got out of the hospital on Sept 2 after almost 8 weeks in the hospital and over 3 weeks in the ICU in Rockford. I was told I was lucky to have survived the crash, and that my recovery has been nothing short of a miracle. I was unconscious for over a month, and, at the time, the doctors were not very optimistic about my prognosis. I am so happy to have proven them wrong. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has expressed concern about my well being, and thank everyone for their prayers that were definitely answered. Special thanks go out to Gunshow Nick, and Stuart and Kim, for going out of their way to be supportive and helpful. Except for some minor nerve damage to my left eye that will heal, as well as some weakness on my left side, I'm doing great. I would say that I am at 99%. -Alex
Alex, I am so happy to read this and so relieved to hear you are doing well! I hope the rest of your recovery goes as well as the excellent progress you have made so far.
Alex ... That's fantastic news! I was riding that day in I group too and I've wondered on and off how you were doing.
Hearing that you're recovering has me elated and smiling from ear to ear. I'm so happy to read such wonderful news. Here's to that last 1%! Zach