Doctors in France struggle to save former Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher's life, who's critically near death, after he hit his head on a rock in an accidental dead-fall, while skiing, Monday. Schumacher, who has at times been rumored to be the legendary Stig of BBC’s ‘Top Gear,’ has been placed into a medically induced coma following life saving surgeries. Doctors remain pragmatic as Schumacher’s condition slightly improves.
Some have speculated that the 44-year-old adrenaline junkie was traveling at excessive speeds at the time of the accident that split his helmet.
An official, with the prosecutor's office in the resort town of Albertville, told The Guardian that although the helmet was broken, it wasn’t necessarily because of immoderate speeds:
"It broke apart in two pieces...[but] it's too early to draw conclusions about excessive speed.It will take two or three more days to know exactly what happened.”
Though Schumacher has improved since his initial surgeries, doctors try to keep expectation in check.
Some of the swelling in his brain had subsided surprisingly quickly, but that doesn’t ensure any kind of recovery.
Chief anaesthesiologist Jean-François Payen explained this crucial time in recovery (via Washington Post):
"Compared to yesterday, the situation has improved, but it remains fragile and critical. We cannot say that he is out of danger. The surgery bought us more time. The situation can improve as well as worsen. The hours ahead are crucial for our treatment strategy.”
Our sympathies and thoughts, at Classicalite, are with the Schumacher family during this difficult tragedy.
