Overview
- Blake Crutsinger, a Ponder High assistant coach, was hit by a shot put during a UIL regional meet Saturday in Tyler and suffered a skull fracture with severe brain swelling.
- Surgeons performed a left-side craniectomy earlier this week to remove part of his skull and ease pressure on his brain, a standard step when swelling threatens brain tissue.
- Family updates said his EEG showed no seizure activity, swelling around his left eye has eased, and doctors have started reducing sedation with an ICU stay expected to last at least two to four weeks before rehab.
- A newer update from his family reported pneumonia in one lung, blood clots in his legs, and MRI changes that could affect his right arm and how the two sides of his brain share information.
- Supporters organized a prayer vigil and launched a GoFundMe, and his wife asked people to show care for the student athlete who threw the implement.