The Brisbane Times has an AAP story on the recovery of Brumbies’ forward Shawn Mackay who has been in a medically induced coma and has undergone spinal surgery since he collected an armoured car at 4am in Durban last Sunday morning.
I’ve also heard reports that he’s shown signs of movement in his limbs now too.
So the news is about as good as could be hoped for at this stage.
UPDATE: The ABC has more:
Speaking from South Africa this morning , Brumbies coach Andy Friend says the news has lifted spirits in his squad ahead of its clash with the Cheetahs on Sunday morning (Australian time).
“He was asked to try and move his toes and on his right leg apparently there was a minor bit of movement and a little bit of squeezing with his right hand, which again is really positive,” he said.
“They’re really small things at this point in time and the doctor kept stressing that to us and the team.”
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Fingers crossed big-time for this bloke. There was strong doubt from the medical people about his prospects of walking again, so it sounds like so-far things might be better than thought.
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Best of luck, Shawn.
Good to hear. Let’s hope there’s more improvement to come.
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Speaking from experience, this period in his family’s life will be sucking big time AND quite frankly walking again is not the biggest challenge he faces. Hoping there is no permanent damage.
Apparently he has been breathing without assistance, so far so good. You’re right about his family and friends though, this week must feel like 10 years.
The Australian on-line is reporting the sad news that Shawn Mackay won’t be coming home.
ACT Brumbies player Shawn Mackay has died after spending last week in a coma following a hit-and-run accident in Durban, South Africa.
Mackay survived surgery after being struck by an armed response vehicle, but was put into a medically induced coma that was maintained through a second major operation last Wednesday to stabilise his spine.
Some more details on the ABC news site: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/06/2535943.htm?section=justin