Heavy Heart:

The mood is very somber today in the Biology Department.

Yesterday afternoon at 4:00 pm Travis Wall was in a motorcycle accident with his oldest daughter Emily. A truck pulled out in front of them and Travis had no time to react. Travis and Emily were wearing helmets. The injuries were severe for both of them. Travis suffered a skull fracture, multiple face fractures, broken ribs, collar bones, and both legs. His liver and spleen were lacerated. His right leg was so extensively broken that they had to amputate it at mid-thigh in order to attempt to save his life. His left leg in addition to being broken has extensive injuries to the knee joint. He was released from surgery at about 8:30 pm. He received 30 units of blood. It isn't clear to what extent he may or may not have suffered injuries to his brain. Emily also suffered a skull fracture and broken arm.

Travis' condition is extremely critical. The next 48 hours will be important to his recovery and prognosis. It is not clear if he will pull through. Emily is critical, but her outcome is much more optimistic.

As of this morning, Emily's tube has been removed and she has been able to speak with her mom. An MRI was done at some point today on Travis which revealed that pressure was building within his brain. At this very hour, he is in surgery to relieve this pressure.

Travis' wife, Rebecca, is handling the situation as well as can be expected under the circumstances. Fortunately, they have remarkable family support. They can use all of our thoughts and prayers in their behalf.

Stephen and I are headed to Idaho Falls this evening to check on Travis. Over the past few years, Travis and I have become very close friends and my heart is aching. Travis' birthday is tomorrow, he will be 37 yrs old. He is the father of four little girls, 2 yrs - 12 yrs in ages.