Norm Popp

[cortf]

For those who don't know, Norm had a blown launch at skyport today and piled in. We were worried enough about him to get the paramedics up there to haul him back up and take him to Cottage...looks like he'll be ok, though, he got away with broken ribs, a fractured scapula, a concussion, but no serious head trauma.....he's one lucky and durable guy....
Cort

[sbkiter]

I just left the hospital. Norm is resting and they are keeping him in intensive care overnight to keep an eye on him. They did two CT scans and both came back clean.....but there are still some concerns. Hopefully it will be all good news tomorrow.

[redfly]

from parma we saw the whole parade going up the hill after you called in the troops.
good call!!!

let's hope all turns out good for norm, i wish him a super speedy and full recovery!

[Robb]

What can we do to help?

[sbkiter]

I don't think we can do much yet to help but thank you for asking.
Today Norm still has a lot of confusion. They are doing a 3rd CT scan this morning. They are still concerned about swelling and he is still in the ICU.

[andy dainsberg]

had i checked this thread, i wouldnt have been so lighthearted in my posts. sorry norm.

[sbkiter]

Norm was moved from the ICU today and into a room at Cottage Hospital. We were able to visit him late this afternoon. He still does not remember anything other then being at launch. Nothing about setting up, launching or the accident. The next thing he remembers is waking up in the hospital today around noon and not knowing why. They are keeping him tonight and will check to see how he is doing tomorrow with a possibility of going home if all looks good. He really wants to go home and he seems to be doing a lot better today. He's in a bit of pain as from the scapula injury. His wife has been by his side since last night and I will continue to check to see if there's anything we can do to help.

[faoro]

Does anyone have a more detailed description of what transpired than just "piled in?" What was the cause of the accident?

[cortf]

I was standing on the road above watching him when he launched The cycles were very light. What I recall is that he pulled up ok, turned, and stumbled, almost falling. The wing started to fly past him, but he regained his feet and kept running. The wing was overhead but looked floppy, like there was very little pressure. He left the edge and sort of skidded on his harness down a ways, then became airborne. But the wing immediately turned sharply to the right and he swung into the rock outcropping just below launch, taking a huge impact. He flew through the air as the wing collapsed, and he fell below my line of sight....
Cort

[Ramey]

There was a recent discussion of helmets here and this has made me curious. Does anyone know what kind of helmet he was wearing and what kind of it condition it was in after the accident?

Robert Ramey

[BobA]

an open face bike helmet, and it apparently did not show much damage, while Norm only had a few small scratches on his nose...

[Kelly S]

His Helmet showed a dent from the impact at the back, about an inch or two above the bottom edge, just to the right of center. It definitely absorbed some of the impact.

[sbkiter]

Norm was released from the hospital around noon today. He is at home resting and starting the healing process. If you would like his address to send a get well card PM me.