Former Emporian Ryan McKnab, 31, of Corvallis, Ore., is showing improvement after being critically injured late last month in a bicycle race near Silverton, Ore.
He is the son of Kay and Paul McKnab of Emporia and brother of Michael McKnab of Emporia and David McKnab of Ellicott City, Md.
Ryan McKnab suffered severe head injuries during an Oregon Bike Racing Association race on May 27.
McKnab, who was wearing a helmet, was involved in a collision with 20 other riders on a downhill sprint to the finish line, according to information from his parents. At least five other riders required medical care at the Silverton Hospital as a result of the accident. The cause of the accident has not been determined.
“Ryan’s bicycle computer indicated he was traveling 43 miles per hour at the time of the crash,” Paul McKnab said.
Ryan McKnab received immediate medical attention at the scene from several medical professionals who were to participate in other races later that day. Those races were cancelled.
He was taken to the Silverton hospital, then flown by helicopter to the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, where he was diagnosed with a diffuse brain injury.
“He was maintained for five days in a drug-induced coma to decrease swelling of the brain,” Paul McKnab said.
Ryan McKnab was moved from the trauma intensive care unit to the trauma/surgery recovery ward on Tuesday. He is in stable condition.
“Ryan’s medical prognosis is good,” Paul McKnab said. “Every day, he makes small but significant improvements in his functioning. ... He’s got a long way to go.”
Ryan McKnab graduated from Emporia High School. He received a bachelor of science degree from Emporia State University and a master’s degree from Idaho State University. He received a teaching certification in biology.
McKnab’s address is: Ryan McKnab, patient, OHSU, Trauma Recovery Floor, 13a, Room 20, Portland, OR 97239-3098. Additional current information on his progress can be seen at caringbridge.org/index.htm. Select “visit” and enter the name ryanmcknab, all lower case and no spaces.
Updates on his condition and fund-raising efforts for expenses for him and his wife, Jessi Brunson, are online at www.ryanmcknab.blogspot.com.
hjcary (anonymous) says...
Your in my prayers Ryan. Keep up the fight!
June 8, 2007 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )