Colin O'Connell - Accident

TomFreeman · **Posted:** Sun Apr 29, 2012 2:59 pm

Unfortunately, I have more bad news to report. I just spoke with Sean O'Connell, and Colin O'Connell was involved in a pretty serious wreck at Summit Point today. Colin was transported to the hospital in Winchester, VA for treatment. From what Sean said, it sounds like Colin's injuries are very similar to Les's. He has spinal compression, and one or more crushed vertebrae as Les had. Sean confirmed that he can move fingers and toes, so there does not seem to be any paralysis. Debbie and Sean are at the hospital with Colin, and they are evaluating options for treatment as we speak.

Please send your thoughts and prayers their way, but since it's so early in the process for them, please hold off on call, texts, and emails for the moment.

JamesMilko · **Posted:** Sun Apr 29, 2012 4:48 pm

Was this in his race prepped 3 series? If so that must have been a rough wreck or a really bad roll of the dice.

Pete Guthrie · **Posted:** Sun Apr 29, 2012 5:34 pm

Colin get well soon my dear freind.. We await your return.

RobLupella · **Posted:** Sun Apr 29, 2012 6:00 pm

Get well soon. Let me know if they need anything

TomFreeman · **Posted:** Sun Apr 29, 2012 6:29 pm

JamesMilko wrote:

Was this in his race prepped 3 series? If so that must have been a rough wreck or a really bad roll of the dice.

Yes, this was in Colin's spec3 car. The wreck was in T1 at Summit, and may have been a brake failure. Please keep them in your thoughts.

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

I truly understand just how bad this sucks and you will be in my thoughts my friend. Colin I know you won't read this before something is done but I can highly recommend my Dr and Tom has his contact info if you can get to him. I am also curious just how this is even possible in a prepped race car? I was only wearing a stock three point harness.

Marty Howard · **Posted:** Sun Apr 29, 2012 8:52 pm

Les, I just got back into town and just heard yours and Colin's news.

Speed recovery to both.

WalterHouston · **Posted:** Sun Apr 29, 2012 9:20 pm

I hope both of you guys get well soon.

JohnByers · **Posted:** Sun Apr 29, 2012 9:40 pm

Hope you get well soon Colin!

Todd Breakey · **Posted:** Mon Apr 30, 2012 6:40 am

Not a good streak for THSCC to have going!

Praying for you Colin.

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Mon Apr 30, 2012 7:41 am

wow, this is very unfortunate news to hear. God speed in your recovery Colin.

Sean, if you're reading this post, please keep us up to date and let us know if you need anything.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Mon Apr 30, 2012 8:51 am

Sorry the accident occurred, and I hope Colin recovers quickly and without complication!

Sean O'Connell · **Posted:** Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:41 am

Thanks for the support everyone. we are in the winchester hospital in va about a half hour from the tack. My dad is in the icu but stable and doing as good as you could ask for the situation. After a ct and cat scan we know he has a single shattered vertebrae in the center of his back, just below his rib cage. A fragment of the bone is putting pressure on his spinal canal, which is slightly bruised but thankfully not punctured or broken. The good news is he still has feeling and movement in his legs and feet, and has continued to gain more since he has been in the hospital. beyond that they see no further damage. We hve been talking to a neurologist and he is going to have surgery today if possible and tomorrow at the latest. There is not much my can do at this point except sit in the hospital with him. I'll let you guys know if anything changes or we find out more.

As far as how and why it happened it is still unclear, he lost brakes or hydroplaned going into turn one and hit the wall head on. the cage seat and Hans did their job and staid fully intact and did the job they were designed to, so the best theory I have heard so far is after impact the back of the car would have come foo the ground and when it slammed back to the ground that impact could have been enough to damage the spine.

jeremy gast · **Posted:** Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:03 am

Wow here's to a speedy recovery!! Get well soon.

clinehall · **Posted:** Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:29 am

Todd Breakey wrote:

Not a good streak for THSCC to have going!

Praying for you Colin.

+1

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Colin O'Connell - Accident

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