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TJ Lavin remains in critical condition on Friday (October 15) after suffering several injuries from a ride gone awry at a Dew Tour Event in Las Vegas on Thursday evening.
His friend and business partner Chas Aday told MTV News that the pro BMX biker and host of MTV's "Challenge" competition shows said Lavin was put into a medically induced coma because he sustained bleeding in his brain. He also sustained an orbital fracture on his eye and a fractured right wrist. Contrary to reports, Lavin did not fracture his rib cage.
"I keep seeing that, but he doesn't have any broken ribs," Aday said.
The accident mars what should have been Lavin's triumphant goodbye to competitive racing as Aday said his appearance was his last ride before he retired. The incident also comes a day after one of Lavin's friends sustained the same injury and is currently recuperating in the same hospital five beds away. Lavin hasn't been conscious since the accident, but Aday, who has known the BMX-er for nine years, said he would have a simple but significant message for athletes out there.
"It's important to wear your helmet with any motor sports," Aday said.
He added that the longtime racer would also want to assure his fans that he's going to pull through. "He'll be OK and back to it," Aday said. "He's a fighter."
Lavin lost control of his bike while riding in a Dew Tour stop at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and was knocked unconscious after his feet were unable to reach the bike's pedals mid-stunt.
"Our thoughts are with TJ," an MTV spokesperson said. "He is an important part of MTV's extended family and we're all praying for him."
I'm seriously saddened to hear about this. I've looked up to T.J. ever since he rocked the socks off of the bmx world back in '95...
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Vert riders are the only ones that do. There's been a lot of professional bmx riders in comas lately. Mike Aitken was pretty much the James Stewart of trail riding with things he could do on his bike. Now watching him ride, after his brain injury, it's like watching a totally different person ride (comparable to James Stewart all of a sudden start riding like an local intermediate). It's sad, but most bmx riders have an anti-protection attitude.
T.J. never was like that, he actually wore full face Shoie helmets back when he was racking up X-games medals in the 90's. I sure wish he would have had one on last Thursday!
Prayers Sent
Not sure where I read it, I think on Twitter, but I read some good news that although he isnt out of the woods yet as he is still in critical condition, but his brain swelling has gone down a lot.
Hang in there TJ!
Pit Row
TJ was up walking with assistance and talking by himself just fine.
He underwent surgery the other day to fix his wrist.
Sounds like he will have a full recovery and no long term problems.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2010/10/bmx-tj-lavin-dew-tour-…
is another article i just looked up real quick.
Still a long road no doubt but that is some very strong progress.
Hang in there TJ.
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