NHRA: Eric Medlen remains in critical condition after testing accident - Tuner-Junction

njn63 · #1 (**permalink**) March 21st, 2007, 01:36 AM

NHRA News: John Force Racing update: Medlen remains in critical condition (3/20/2007)

Quote:

3/20/2007
Eric Medlen

Funny Car driver Eric Medlen, injured in a testing accident Monday at Gainesville Raceway, remained in critical condition Tuesday in intensive care at Shands at the University of Florida medical center.

According to Medlen's father, John, doctors are continuing to work to reduce pressure and swelling from what has been characterized as a severe closed head injury suffered when the 33-year-old's car crashed heavily into the guardwall.

“We would ask everyone to keep Eric and his family in their prayers while at the same time respecting their need for privacy in this very difficult time,” said Kelly Antonelli, a spokesperson for John Force Racing Inc.

“Obviously, our primary concern is for Eric's health,” Antonelli said, “but we also are aware of erroneous information that has been posted on various Internet sites, and, unfortunately, that has been a source of additional pain for the family.

“To address that issue, we will continue to provide daily medical updates authorized by the family and the medical staff here at Shands.”

Posted: 3/19/2007

Eric Medlen was injured Monday when his Funny Car crashed during a testing accident at Gainesville Raceway. Medlen suffered undetermined injuries when his entry crashed heavily into the right guardwall. He was transported via ShandsCair helicopter to Shands at the University of Florida medical center.

The six-time NHRA tour winner, who participated in Sunday's 38th annual ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals, was being treated in the surgical intensive care unit at Shands. He was listed in critical condition while being further evaluated by medical personnel.

Medical staff will provide a condition update at midday Tuesday according to John Force Racing sources who emphasized that, at the present time, Medlen is not permitted to have visitors, phone calls, cards, or flowers.

“Eric's extended family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers,” said Kelly Antonelli, spokesperson for JFR. “At the same time, we would ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time and allow the medical staff to do its work.”

A former crewmember on boss and teammate Force's championship-winning Funny Cars, Medlen began his driving career in 2004, winning a race his first year. He won three more times in 2005 and two times last season in a Funny Car prepared by his father, John Medlen.

scary stuff. I hope everything turns out okay for him.

A_White_Gs-R · #2 (**permalink**) March 21st, 2007, 04:07 PM

And those funny cars get up there FAST its almost scary. Hope he survives. Do you think he would get back behind the wheel in a year or so after he gets better? mentally theres gonna be alot of damage as far as him wanting to drive again.

njn63 · #3 (**permalink**) March 21st, 2007, 04:23 PM

Most NHRA drivers that have had a bad accident do get back in the driver's seat so if/when he gets recovered I wouldn't be surprised to see him in a car of some kind. He's grown up around the sport (he worked as a crew member on Force's team for a while even) and i guarentee something like this wouldn't push him away.

This was today's update:

Quote:

3/21/2007

Injured NHRA Funny Car driver Eric Medlen survived a delicate, three-hour craniotomy procedure to relieve pressure and hemorrhaging Tuesday evening but remained in critical condition Wednesday at Shands at the University of Florida medical center.

Over the next two weeks, the 33-year-old will remain in a drug-induced coma designed to promote healing.

“We consider ourselves fortunate that Eric is in one of the top hospitals in the world for this type of injury and is getting absolutely the best treatment possible,” said John Medlen, Eric's father and crew chief.

“We want to thank Eric's friends, fans, sponsors, and the entire NHRA drag racing community for their support in this very difficult time for our family,” he said. “We would ask that they continue to remember Eric in their prayers. He's a fighter, but he has a long battle ahead of him.”

The elder Medlen also asked, for Eric's sake and the sake of the family, that fans refrain from speculation, especially on the Internet, where erroneous information already has been a source of considerable anguish.

A_White_Gs-R · #4 (**permalink**) March 24th, 2007, 11:27 AM

Dude just saw on sportscenter he passed away this week. I didnt hear the details but he didnt survive his injuries. R.I.P.

njn63 · #5 (**permalink**) March 25th, 2007, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A_White_Gs-R

Dude just saw on sportscenter he passed away this week. I didnt hear the details but he didnt survive his injuries. R.I.P.

Unfortunately, this is true. So sad to see another young driver with so much going for him have his life cut short. RIP