Michael Schumacher, seven-time Formula 1 world champion, is in a critical condition after a skiing accident, says the French hospital at which he is being treated. The 44-year-old German "was suffering a serious brain trauma with coma on his arrival" the hospital in the south-east city of Grenoble said in a statement. Schumacher's management confirmed his critical condition, reports said. He was skiing off-piste with his son in the Alps when the accident occurred. Schumacher was wearing a helmet when he fell and hit his head against a rock, Meribel resort director Christophe Gernignon-Lecomte said earlier. Early reports had said his condition was not life-threatening. Mr Gernignon-Lecomte said Schumacher was conscious when he was attended to by two ski patrollers who requested helicopter evacuation to the nearby valley town of Moutiers. He was subsequently moved to the bigger facility at Grenoble. The German, who is due to turn 45 on 3 January, retired from F1 for a second time in 2012. Professor Gerard Saillant, a close ally and friend of Schumacher, and his former Ferrari team boss Jean Todt, are at the hospital. Prof Saillant is an expert in brain and spine injury. He oversaw Schumacher's medical care when the German broke his leg in the 1999 British GP. The hospital statement was signed by the facility's neurosurgeon, the professor in charge of its anaesthesia/revival unit, and the hospital's deputy director. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25545993 When this was first reported earlier today it didn't seem serious, this is a worrying update.
I've skiied Meribel and most of the 3 valleys & not a great deal of "off piste" to be had there?! - One of those frak accidents that happen in skiing i guess. I did read this last night and wish him all the best for a quick recovery
Wow, I never liked him but I hope he recovers from this. Just reading through a thread and its say mild concussion, then got worse. He was even wearing a helmet.
In a coma and has has a stroke, ironic he's nearly died three times but all from hobbies and none from motor racing.
I wish him the best. Ironic such a serious injury comes with something quite innocuous when you think of the dangers he faced throughout his career...
He also nearly died scuba diving and cycling. You don't want to be a racing driver I dislike, there are 7 and 3 of them are dead, Schumacher is the only one who's made it to retirement. Plato, morris and vettel should all be worried! No wonder my mate calls me Damien.
Plato is alright as a driver...Just bit of a c**k on 5th gear thats all ! I suppose spending all episode looking at Vicky BH arse is enough to put anyone off
Yeah, she refused medical help and said she was fine. Died the next day. Same thing happened to a 8yo girl who was hit in the head by a puck, she was waving to the crowd after and died the next day. Bleeding on the brain takes time to develop. They had to open his skull in the night and he will be in a coma for two days. Not a good sign. Update, he has brain lesions and is still critical.
Never been a fan of his, but respect his dogged determination - hope it now helps to pull him through and back to his family.
Actually met Plato, he lived next door to someone I work with, met him at a party..................I think you have that one right Flyer, though not want him dead, would like to point out to him he is not really that bright, clever or as handsome as he thinks he is
No I like him even if he does drive for Ferrari. I also liked hakkinen too. To be honest, I don't think I can name a finnish athlete I dislike and the only Scandinavian I dislike is zlatan. On second thoughts , has jarko ruutu retired?
Bully boy cant agree more with you. Zlatan, Schumacher (both Toni and Michael) are very high on my dislike list. Of course i want schumi to recover from his accident but never liked him. Kimi is my all time favourite (not the least because he dont gove a **** whats media wrotes about him)and he could have done even better after his return but because Red Bull is its own class as a racing car. Jarkko Ruutu is still playing here in finland (Jokerit Helsinki) and is the most hated icehockey player in finland.
Hate these sort of things ... when others lives and injuries don't get a mention I am sure he will have the best of care after a nasty accident while on holiday skiing ... **** happens and hope he recovers
