JOHANNESBURG – South African cyclist Keagan Girdlestone’s management team for the first time since the cyclist’s horror crash in Italy on 5 June, revealed the extent of his injuries.
Girdlestone suffered critical injuries to the neck and throat as well as bruising to the brain as a result of the crash.
@RobbieHunter Robbie…I am in South Africa…how can we help..Jakaranda Cycling Club ???
— REINHARD (@083267) June 17, 2016
The 19-year-old continues to recover in intensive care in a hospital in Rimini, Italy.
“Contrary to initial reports, Keagz did not sustain any facial injuries. The critical injuries were sustained to his neck and throat.
“He severed not only the cartoid artery, but the jugular vein, nerve and muscles,” said Girdlestone’s management team on Sunday.
“Due to major loss of blood at the scene as well as the time it took to get him to surgery, the right hand side of his brain was starved of blood and oxygen.
“He also sustained bruising of his brain due to the impact as well as vocal cord damage. At this stage the full extent of his injuries is unknown as well as the period of rehabilitation.
“He is breathing on his own, but with difficulty as one of the nerves controlling his diaphragm has been damaged.
“He has limited movement of his left side due to the lack of oxygen to the brain, however, this is showing signs of improvement.
“The right side, which is being affected by nerve damage, is also limited. He is able to move his leg and squeeze his hand, but there is no movement of his arm.
The family thanked the overwhelming support they had received following the incident.
“With continued rehabilitation it is hoped that all functionality will improve as time passes.
“However, any possible long term effects are still unknown. Your continued support, prayers and positivity is greatly appreciated by Keagz and his family.”
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