Spokane 5/24/09: Massive Crash Lands Cogs in Hospital!
The WMRRA Round 3 Race weeked ended in frightening fashion on lap 2 of the 2nd heat. While riding in 2nd place, Cogs crashed out trying to avoid an orange safety cone that had been clipped by another rider and subsequently flipped into his path. The crash occurred on the exit of Turn 11, a high-speed left-hand sweeper that funnels the rider back on to the the main straight. Speeds at this part of the track are about 70-75 mph.
Cogs suffered multiple rib fractures, broken sternum, an avulsion fracture at the base of the skull, bruised lungs, laceration of the liver, a broken neck (Cervical vertbrae #7), compression fractures of the Thoracic spine vertabrae #7-8, 10. Vertabrae #9 is completely “exploded” and a titanium rod has been inserted to fuse the spine together. Various other contusions and lacerations were suffered.
Cogs was held for observation and stabilization at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane for a couple days while orders to airlift him to Harborview in Seattle through. Eventually, those orders came through and surgery was completed in Seattle. Cogs was released from Harborview on 6/1/09 and has bveen recouperating at home ever since, making good progress. It is difficult to estimate how long the recovery time will be, but 6-8 months seems to be accurate so far. Cogs can get out of bed and move around with aid of a walker.
Prior to the wreck, Tamra and Cogs had been enjoying a typical hot Spokane weekend. Tamra had begun to figure out the track after the Saturday practice session and had even survived her first crash–a small 10 mph spill into the dirt after overshooting Turn 6. She finished last in the first heat allowing Ian Johnston by when the shift linkage broke and she had to finish the last lap in 3rd gear. She ended up 9th of 11 overall on the weekend.
Cogs had overcome some practice session mechanical woes by changing jet sizes and scored an excellent 2nd place finish in the first heat.
Cogs and Tamra would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped out in this time of crisis!
