UPDATE: Skelton Seriously Injured in Road Accident

Rich Skelton was released from the hospital on May 20th. Here is a quote directly from Rich on his Facebook page: 

“Thank you all so much for the flowers,texts,prayers,calls and Facebook messages! Rhonda, Rainey and I really appreciate it! We are headed home I am going to rest for the next month or so! Thanks again to everybody!”

Eight-time World Champion Team Roping Heeler Rich Skelton was seriously injured in a road accident May 15 near the Llano (Texas) Municipal Airport on Highway 16 North.

According to a report in the Llano County News, a truck pulling a livestock trailer was unable to slow down and rear-ended a passenger vehicle, slamming it into the rear of the tractor that Skelton was driving. He was ejected through the top of the canopy on the tractor as it was knocked on its side.

Skelton was located about 25 feet from the tractor and was airlifted to an Austin, Texas-area hospital for treatment, along with the driver of the passenger vehicle.

Skelton’s family reported on Facebook that he is awake, the ventilator has been removed and he is breathing on his own in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The family appreciates the messages of concern and good wishes, but requests that people please refrain from calling them or the hospital at this time.

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