Update on condition of Steve Hugi, injured in motorcycle accident

The following is offered to NorthIowaToday.com as a request from Steve Hugi, Lisa Severson and Steve’s brothers & sisters: Julie Sanchez (Joe), Leon Hugi(Denise), Hugh Hugi(Berta) and Annette Johnson(Buster).

Recently Steve was involved in a motorcycle accident (June 15th,) and each one of us continue to get requests for an update on Steve’s condition, his injuries and offers for assistance that may be needed to help him with his recovery. Obviously none of us have access to Steve’s Facebook page, Steve is not able to type or talk on the phone with out difficulty, and using NIT to get the word out regarding his accident and condition seems to a needed thing, he’s a popular guy and there is much concern for him. Thus the family has agreed & Steve does not object to the release of the following statement being posted on NIT, and we are grateful to Matt for allowing us the space and providing the ’vehicle’ to get this information out to the many friends, colleges and supporters of Steve Hugi.

First: There has been some interest in offering assistance for the benefit of Steve Hugi after he was injured in a motorcycle accident on June 15, 2013. In order to provide a reasonable way for those concerned to contribute, there has been an account established at North Iowa Community Credit Union. Those wishing to offer financial assistance may stop by either one of the NICCU locations and make a contribution to the account that has been established by his family. Everyone at the credit union will recognize his name and you only need to indicate you want to contribute to the BENEFIT account for Steve Hugi, this eliminates the need to remember either his sister or brothers name. Then when a need arises for Steve and is not covered via insurance his sister Julie will utilize the contributions to pay for the services or devices he is beginning to need. Some of those expenses that have already occurred are for example, the cost for the medical transportation service that Steve will need to move him from Rochester to the in-patient physical therapy facility he has selected. (No, he has not been moved yet)

Now a bit about the accident & his condition currently. Steve was participating in the benefit ride sponsored by White Tails in Marble Rock on June 15th, 2013. He had been working that morning (he thinks) and about 12:33 PM (the time on the accident report) Steve was involved in a collision with a Dodge Ram Pick-up at the intersection of 19th and Eisenhower Avenue. The truck did not run over him, according to the members of his group his impact was with the driver door section of the truck. Steve remembers nothing about the accident & I was not there so I only have the information from the police report & the information given to me by those that were with him. Strangely we later learned that his brother Hugh drove by the scene before Steve was even lifted into the ambulance, Hugh said “ I looked at that bike and thought, ’hm, looks like Leon or Steve’s bike about the same color” Steve was transported via ambulance to Mercy Medical ER and an assessment of his injuries began by the medical staff there, it soon was evident that he would need to be moved to a different medical facility that could specialize in treating multiple injuries with medical specialists available. Initially the plan was to take him to Iowa City via helicopter but that changed due to weather then there were suggestions of Rochester via ambulance it was very confusing for awhile but finally Rochester via helicopter was determined. He arrived at St. Mary’s about 8 PM and was admitted with the following injuries: broken right arm, broken pelvic bone, broken ribs (11 or 12 no official count and I’ve asked twice & doesn’t really matter they hurt regardless I am sure) internal organ damage to his liver, spleen and possibly bladder. Originally they thought he also had broken his right knee cap, but St. Mary’s reported no broken bones in either leg. The neck brace that was placed on him at the scene remained there for 3 days, because they could not yet examine his cervical spine. He was taken to the operating room about midnight to sterilize the arm fracture because the tissue/bone was exposed & installation of a plate would have to be at a later date. He came out of OR about 3 AM and fortunately the surgeon was able to install the metal plate necessary to repair his forearm. The surgeon would like to adjust the plate at another time, after his other injuries are further along in the healing process. Then on Monday he again went to operating room to have his pelvic bone repaired with two plates and seven screws. The remainder of that week was just pain management and breathing ability to keep his lungs clear, it was not necessary to do any repairs to his internal organs they seemed to be healing the lacerations and the internal bleeding appeared to have stopped. Eventually he was moved out of the ICU and released for a clear liquid diet on Friday I believe. Which did not last long, Sunday he had some digestive difficulty and today (Tuesday June 25th) Steve was taken to the operating room for exploratory surgery. He was brought back to ICU early afternoon and his nurse is working to keep the pain under control. He will be taken back to the operating room Wednesday morning and after that procedure I will post his status.

Steve wishes to specifically thank the following Joel & Beth Peterson for your kindness & generosity, Jeff & Lisa Kelley for proving that the bond between those that ride is solid & is felt even when miles stretch between us. To Jodi Ueker for never letting go of my hand, I can still feel your hand and hear your voice, thank you. Brian for sending the Magic, Mike Reindl, Mike and Mari Momberg including the guys I work with every day, as well as the countless others that have kept in touch with Lisa and my family for the prayers & well wishes.

If there happens to be anyone that has a photo of the accident scene could you consider submitting it or them to Matt? We are asking not to publish them, it may be helpful for insurance purposes as well as Steve’s memory.

Anyone wanting to send greetings to Steve the address is:

St. Mary’s Hosp
Steve Hugi /MBrigh 7B
1216 2nd Street SW
Rochester, MN 55902

NorthIowaToday.com and its Publisher Matt Marquardt has agreed to let us utilize the NIT Facebook page in order to provide this information to the public, it seems the reasonable thing to do when you consider that I can not access Steve’s page & he can’t type, it does not make sense to post all of this on my page because many of Steve’s friend would not know to look there for info, and still a full week later my phone rings constantly (and I don’t mind) with many questions even some people are just learning about the accident, so thank you Matt for providing a public place that can be utilized to get out information unedited & to serve citizens of North Iowa.