[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Update on Carolyn Shoemaker
Forwarded from Virginia Keiper, USGS:
Here is an update of Carolyn's condition and details of the accident.
(July 22, 11 am)
Carolyn is improving--her ribs are causing her the most discomfort. Her
children have all arrived in Australia. Linda spoke openly about the
accident--she said they had seen a picture of the vehicle and they are
grateful that Carolyn is alive, and that they did not lose both parents. The
collision happened 10 km west of the Tanami gold mine, on the Tanami
Highway, 300 miles from Alice Springs, where Carolyn is now in the hospital.
A passing motorist alerted the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and both Carolyn
and the driver of the second car were airlifted to the hospital. The male
driver sustained minor injuries, while his wife and two children, ages five
and eight, were uninjured. He has since been released from the hospital.
Linda said that another vehicle that just happened to be carrying passengers
that were paramedics arrived almost immediately, and they were able to
administer first aid until the Flying Doctors arrived.
The doctors have not indicated when Carolyn might be discharged from
hospital. Her children will remain there until that time. They then plan to
travel back to the States in stages, so that Carolyn will not have such a
long and difficult trip all at one time. Gene will be cremated in Australia
and upon their return to the States, they plan to have a memorial service at
Meteor Crater. This date is still undetermined, but we will post as soon as
it is known.
We inquired about flowers being sent to Carolyn, and Linda said that her
room is so full of flowers, that the hospital can no longer deliver any more
to her. She requested that we wait until Carolyn returns to the States
before sending her anything.
I will keep you posted as we learn more.
Update on July 25, 2:30 pm
I [Ginny Keiper] just spoke to Carolyn Shoemaker in Australia. She was
released from the hospital yesterday, and is recuperating in a friend's home
in Alice Springs. Her children are staying at the same home with her. She
said she is still very bruised, cut, and sore--she is able to move if
someone helps her get out of bed. Her broken ribs are still very painful,
but at least she is out of the hospital, which is an encouragement to her.
She still has no idea when she will be able to return to the states.