ST. GEORGE —An early morning motorcycle ride through Snow Canyon State Park took a distressing turn when the driver lost control while rounding a turn near the Lava Tube trailhead, authorities say.
As per the GoFundMe page established on behalf of the Walter Family, the rider has been identified as Andrei Walter, known as “the baby” of the family.
“We are asking for prayers at this time,” the GoFundMe page reads.
The page indicates that Walter was discovered unresponsive and was intubated before he was airlifted to St. George Regional Hospital. Upon arrival, he underwent emergency surgery aimed at alleviating a blood clot and relieving pressure on his brain.
Walter has a cervical fracture at C7, bruised lungs, fractures in his face and some by his ear.
“Andrei is the life of the party, always cracking jokes, resilient, one of the fanciest dressers, fun loving and always ready for the next adventure,” the page reads.
Walter’s intubation tube has been removed and he is now breathing on his own. The objective of the fundraising page is to provide support to the family, allowing them to concentrate on Walter’s rehabilitation without the added strain of financial concerns.
At approximately 2:06 a.m. Tuesday morning, a single-rider motorcycle crash was reported inside Snow Canyon State Park, Washington County Sherriff’s Deputy Graham Hancock told St. George News.
“It appeared that the rider wasn’t able to manipulate the motorcycle to make the turn and laid the motorcycle down and slid into the brush and rocks of Snow Canyon,” Hancock said.
Due to the motorcyclist’s injuries, the rider was transported to St. George Regional Hospital by Intermountain Life Flight. The driver’s current condition was unknown at the time of this report.
Hancock said that a considerable number of motorcycle incidents in the area occur due to speeding. These excessive speeds frequently lead riders to lose control of their motorcycles.
Dammeron Valley Fire and Rescue and Santa Clara-Ivins Fire and Rescue also responded to this incident.
This report is based on statements from court records, police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
Ed. note: When making charitable contributions it is advisable to consult with professionals for tax advice and investment risks.
Updated April 23, 3:27 p.m., Fundraising information has been added.
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