Columbus, OH – According to his older brother Bill, driver Rick Still’s health has improved following some setbacks in the hospital after he suffered serious injuries in an accident at Ocean Downs on Sunday, Aug. 24.
Bill is the second trainer for Sean Bier and Chrissy Chrisman-Bier and was out jogging a horse when he did this interview Tuesday morning (Sept. 2).
On Sunday morning (Aug. 31), Bill posted a positive update on Rick’s condition.
“I would like to give everybody a new update on my brother, Rick Still, they took the breathing tube out. Yesterday he was breathing on his own…He still has a long way to go, but this is good news. He is alert and awake and talking,” brother Bill posted on Facebook.
Following the accident, Rick was transported by helicopter from Ocean Downs to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. His initial diagnosis was six broken ribs, a broken shoulder and head injuries with a concussion. He had a plate and screws inserted to repair his left shoulder.
“On Thursday (Aug. 28), I got a call from the hospital telling me that Rick had suffered a collapsed lung and they needed me to come to the hospital immediately to give them permission to put in a breathing tube,” Bill explained. “I gave them permission over the phone and went straight to the hospital.
“When I went to visit him on Saturday (Aug. 30), he was sedated but I turned on the TV so we could watch some football,” Bill added. “Then at 3 p.m. they decided to remove the tube. By 3:30, it was like a light switch was turned on; he was up and talking. It was a miracle.”
His brother explained that Rick has now been moved into an ICU rehabilitation room to help build up his lungs and that the doctors are working to get him standing to do X-rays to examine his lower back for fractures.
“It was good news that when they took off the collar and had him do neck exercises, he had no pain,” Bill said. “The plan is to try to get him home soon, maybe in the next couple of weeks and get him into rehabilitation nearby in Delaware.”
Bill anticipates expensive bills for his brother’s medical care and rehabilitation and expressed concern about the challenge that Rick faces in maintaining his three-horse stable and for his employee Jenny Bier, who is caring for them.
He explained that due to the seriousness of dealing with his brother’s injuries, there hasn’t been any time yet to set up any fundraising efforts, but will provide information on that when it is established.
Details will be reported when they become available.