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FRE/KTM
GNCC Racer Josh Kirkland |
Murrieta, CA (8/2/2010) -
KTM Motorsports is saddened to announce reigning
XC2 ATV GNCC Champion Josh Kirkland suffered a
terrible crash a week ago Friday breaking a vertebra
in his neck.
Kirkland was practicing for the upcoming Pont
de Vaux ATV race held in France. While practicing
he suffered a horrendous crash that sent him
over the bars. An ambulance was sent immediately
at which point it was determined to life flight
him via helicopter to the nearest trauma center.
Upon admittance to the hospital, Kirkland immediately
underwent surgery through the back of his neck
to help stabilize the vertebrae in his neck.
It was determined that his C5 vertebra was shattered
and his spinal cord received trauma but was
not severed. Another surgery was performed on
Wednesday to aid in the stabilization of the
neck. . A small hole in his intestine was also
found this past Friday which caused infection
and a high fever led to a third surgery. His
family and friends have been by his side since
the accident and is thankful for everyone’s
kind words and prayers.
The family is hopeful in his recovery but will
not have more information until some time has
passed for the swelling in his spine to go down.
This could take months. At this time the swelling
in his spine has left him without feeling from
the chest down. The next step is to wait for
the swelling to subside and work on rehabilitation
from that point.
Kirkland is expected to remain at the Akron
City Hospital until stable and able to move
on to a rehabilitation center. The family is
currently sending updates on the following site:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joshkirkland11.
A benefit account will be set up sometime this
week for donations. Further details will follow.
Friends and fans of Josh who would like to
send him cards may do so to the following address:
Akron City Hospital
Room: T2 Unit – Josh Kirkland
525 E. Market Street
Akron, OH 44304
A fundraiser was held this weekend at the Mudstock
event at Bike Barn Raceway in Masontown, WV
with all proceeds from the benefit going directly
to Josh. Additional benefit races are scheduled
for next weekend August 7th in Elkins, WV and
Uhricksville,
OH (Crow Canyon).
The family asks that you keep Josh in your
thoughts and prayers as he begins his journey
to recovery.
About KTM
KTM, founded in 1953, is the second largest
European motorcycle manufacturer specializing
in “Ready to Race” street and off
road motorcycles and ATVs.
Proven successes in worldwide competition are
embodied into the design and function of each
KTM race machine. KTM has built a reputation
for high-quality premium race ready machines
suitable for street and off road race competition
and recreation. With more than 160 World Championships
and counting, the technology, design and performance
of KTM continues to race past the competition
time and again.
www.ktmnorthamerica.com
