Crash
A North Ogden, Utah man was listed in a critical but stable condition in a Grand Junction hospital following a mountain biking accident last week, reports KSL.com.
Nate Malan and several other cycling friends were cycling in Canyonlands National Park, Utah on Wednesday when Malan apparently misjudged a turn in the trail that was in the shadows and plunged more than 35 feet to the ground below.
“He rides his bike to and from work every day and does long bike rides. So he is always out riding his bike,” said friend Heather Simpson. “He has several broken ribs. He broke his pelvis. He has a broken arm and has to have surgery on that,” Simpson added.
Simpson, who is a nurse, provided first aid before Malan was flown to an ICU facility in Grand Junction, Colorado, about a hundred miles away. Malan also suffered a bruised lung and has a serious head injury.
Family and friends remained optimistic for the father of six, despite a long road to recovery.
“He is able to move and communicate with us so he is moving in the right direction – a day at a time for him,” Simpson said.
A crowdfunding effort has already raised more than $20,000 in just a couple of days, which is helping to ease the burden on his family.
“We are so appreciative of everybody’s willingness to help and do anything they can to be there for Nate and his family,” said Simpson.
Plans were also in the works for a benefit bike ride to support Malan while he is in the hospital.
Updates on Nate Malan’s condition can be found on the Nate Malan’s Medical Updates Facebook page.
