A car swerved across the white line and hit Leo Loudenslager head on at
approximately 2 PM hrs CDT on Wednesday, June 25th 1997 as Leo was
returning from a trip to the store. Leo was wearing a helmet and does
not have head injuries. It is not known why the other motorist crossed
the centerline before striking Leo's motorcycle head on. No alcohol or
drugs or excessive speed were involved in this accident.
Condition Update: (Thursday 6/26/97)
Teresa Beardsley provided this update on Leo's condition, as of
Thursday Afternoon:
The family met with the doctors this morning and were told that Leo's
condition is still critical, that he is still in a life-threatening
situation. Every hour that passes without setback is a very good thing.
His condition has basically stabilized, and while internal healing has
to take place, as long as no infection sets in or blood clot gets in the
wrong place, Leo can be expected to survive.
(Carl Whittle reported earlier that 'The physicians report that Leo's
condition is extremely serious, " very touch and go, almost minute by
minute". ')
Fortunately, Leo has no head or neck injuries, but his spinal cord is
severed. He is conscious, awake and alert, although he is on a
respirator and is totally immobilized in his hospital bed. He is
apparently permanently paralized from the waist down. He has two broken
wrists and a broken pelvis.
Leo's vital signs are stable and he is taking fluids via IV. He does
respond to and acknowledge messages relayed to him through the family.
He is alert and seems to enjoy hearing the names of friends who have
inquired about him.
The medical team has no long term prognosis. They are watching his
condition on an hour by hour basis and say there is no way to project
now the outcome of this crisis. HIs blood pressure has stabilized and
confindence is high that he will pull through.
Patty Wagstaff has arrived in Tennessee and is providing support.
Messages of support to Leo would certainly be valuable to boost his
spirits.
A two-way information flow has been set up.
Periodic reports on Leo's condition and updates as events warrant will
be posted at the Bud LIght Air Force Website at:
http://www.blaf.com/LeoAccident.html
Messages to Leo can be transmitted as follows:
FAX messages of support to:
Put on the fax header:
c/o Patient Affairs
Attention: Leo Loudenslager
Email messages of support can be sent to:
and will be compiled, printed and taken to Leo by the family and the
support group of Bill and Teresa Beardsly.
Phone calls should be made to:
Cards and Letters can be sent to:
Leo Loudenslager
2657 Buckner Road
Thompson Station, Tennessee 37179
Do NOT call or write the Hospital.
Do NOT send flowers.
DO send Email or FAX.
The website joins the aerobatic/aviation community in wishing the best
possible outcome for Leo.
--
Larry Lowe
webm...@airspacemag.com
Air&Space Magazine
http://www.airspacemag.com/
Miss America Air Racing
http://www.missa.com/
Bud Light Air Force
http://www.blaf.com/