SnoCross Racer Seriously Injured at Mt. Zion Saturday

IRONWOOD, MI - Friday, December 19, 2008 - According to a report on SnowGoerRacing.com website, "The Warnert Ski-doo pro rider Mike Schultz was involved in a serious accident during qualifying efforts in Ironwood, Michigan this past Saturday, December 13. According to local reports, Mike was taken to an area hospital after the crash and later transported to St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth Saturday evening where he underwent two surgeries and will remain for some time. Schultz's injuries consisted of severe multiple fractures to his tibia and physical trauma."

"Concerned racers, fans and friends can stay abreast of his condition and send Mike well wishes by visiting a web site set-up by his immediate family at CaringBridge. Free Websites That Support And Connect Loved Ones During Critical Illness."

"The International Series of Champions and the entire snowmobile racing community will keep Mike and his family in our prayers and thoughts."

The 26-year-old Schultz is married and lives in Pillager, Minnesota. According to a post on CaringBridge, "Around 10:00 AM Saturday morning, half way through his first race of the day, Mike was jostled on his sled while coming down the last big hill. His left leg came off the sled and contacted the ground resulting in a compound fracture right below the knee/brace. The doctors referred to it as an auto amputation.

The staff at the track transported him by ambulance to Grand View Hospital near Ironwood. After stabalizing him they transported him by ground to St Mary's, Duluth. Air lifting him wasn't an option due to the fog and cold weather in Duluth. Sara was able to ride with. A trauma team of 15 were waiting for them in Duluth. Immediately upon arrival (2:00 PM), they did a CT scan. It appears the lower leg is the only area that received injury. The tibia and fibula severed the main artery, veins, and nerve to the lower portion of the leg. The surgeon said if they would have reached the 6 hour mark with no circulation, they would most likely have had to amputate. At 3:00 PM they wheeled Mike in to repair what they could. A vascular surgeon was able to harvest a portion of artery from Mike's right leg to repair the torn one and installed an external fixator (leg brace). At that point they didn't do any reconstruction to the bones, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. The extent of nerve damage will be determined. We will try to update you on Mike's condition as things change."

The Chronicle will pass along all information as soon as it becomes available.