This past weekend I saw a Nov. 24 message posted to the USA section of the Trials Central forums about Eric Storz and his recent crash on his trials bicycle. Eric finished 3rd in the National Observed Trials Championship 125 Expert class this year and competed in Europe this past summer.
I emailed Eric’s dad, Steve Storz, who sent this today:
The accident took place on Nov. 21st. The 6 hour surgery to repair his face took place on Nov. 24th and went very well. Plastic surgeons inserted seven titanium plates to repair the facial fractures. The procedure was done in a very masterful way and I don’t think he will have any noticeable scarring.
He should have been released 2 or 3 days after the surgery, but unfortunately he suffered a really severe reaction to some of the antibiotics used as a precaution against infection, which has delayed his recovery. The good news is that he is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital today, December 7th. All indications are that he will make a complete recovery.
As a side note, we are really grateful for all of the support and prayers from the trials community (worldwide). It really does ease the burden.
Feel free to attach a ‘best wishes’ type comment here for Eric and we’ll make sure he sees it.
I took this photo of Eric and his dad Steve during the 2008 USGP World Trials Championship at the TTC (blogged here).
Here’s a recent (autumn, 2009) YouTube video of Eric on his trials motorcycle and trials bicycle.
Update 01/10: TTC staff signed and sent this e-card to Eric just in time for Xmas:
Hey Eric, I sure hope you heal quickly because I’m going to need you to coach me again at next year’s Trials Training Days.
Hey Eric,
So sorry to hear about the crash! I am glad you are recovering and will keep you in our prayers. Hope to see you up and riding soon! Take care of yourself!
I am glad to hear all seems to be going in the right direction.
Sorry to hear about your accident.
You have some great skills and should be proud of yourself.
I look forward to watching you progress in the future.
Take care.
Eric,
Best wishes for a speedy recovery and an uneventful rehab. Your a fantastic representative of the trials community.
Hope to see you in TN this year.
I talked with Eric via phone as he was arriving home from the hospital this evening. He was a little groggy but in good spirits.
He said he crashed on a railing similar to the one in the bicycle portion of the above video but doesn’t remember much.
Been thinking about you a lot Eric. I’m looking forward to riding with you and Neil again some day. Maybe at Tish this next year. Good luck and get well soon….
Sorry to hear about the crash Eric. You’ll pull through and come out strong. Now you and Oldar have even more in common! The 551 Films crew is pulling for ya!
-Phil
Eric,
We’re praying for you!
Your talent and skill set is amazing; that you for sharing you videos with the world, very fun to watch. Our son races BMX and is a big fan! God Speed.
Komodo Gear
TTC staff signed and sent Eric a get-well card just prior to Xmas. I’ve included it in the blog post above.
Thank you all for the kind words. It has been six weeks since the injury. Looking back on the recovery process so far, it has gone by very quickly and I am feeling much better. I still have one more minor surgery to remove some “hardware” from my mouth, which is coming up in about a week. I rode for the first time this weekend and I felt pretty good, but I am very sore!
I look forward to seeing all of you at the 2010 Nationals!
-Eric Storz