The Steamboat Pilot & Today: Injured motorcyclist remains hospitalized at Denver Health

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Steamboat Springs — A Hayden man remains hospitalized at Denver Health Medical Center after he was critically injured in an Aug. 19 motorcycle accident on Routt County Road 37.

Frank Welsh, 56, was listed in serious condition Tuesday, a week after the accident, Denver Health spokesman Tony Encinias said. No further details about his injuries were available.

Welsh sustained critical injuries, including serious head trauma, when he lost control of his motorcycle south of Hayden on the evening of Aug. 19. Welsh was headed northbound near mile marker 10 on C.R. 37., where he struck a deer that darted into the road.

Welsh was thrown from the motorcycle and landed on his head, according to the Colorado State Patrol. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

In the wake of the crash, Welsh was transported to Yampa Valley Medical Center by an ambulance crew from the West Routt Fire Protection District. He later was airlifted to Denver Health.

Hayden police and the Routt County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene.

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Community comments

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awolffjr
August 27, 2008 at 11:52 a.m.
› Suggest removal

People need to wear helmets when they ride.

playa46
August 27, 2008 at 4:38 p.m.
› Suggest removal

I agree, it scares me to think that a lot of kids choose not to wear a helmat. While driving, I always see little kids riding a bike down fish creek falls road without a helmat. I sometimes think about how their lives will end up if they do get in an accident and don't wear a helmat.

motoman
August 28, 2008 at 9:48 a.m.
› Suggest removal

Very unfortunate. But no helmet, nothing to protect.

awolffjr
August 28, 2008 at 9:44 p.m.
› Suggest removal

I've seen first hand as a personal injury lawyer what happens to people who get closed head injuries in these mishaps. The government is misguided in letting people choose to wear a helmet or not. The people who have head injuries and didn't have a helmet end up getting supported by the taxpayers.

It is not cool to see someone who has had a craniotomy to reduce brain swelling.

motoman
August 29, 2008 at 7:28 a.m.
› Suggest removal

The unfortunate thing is that the American Motorcyclist Association fights helmet laws whenever they are introduced or proposed. Jr. is right, we all pay for helmetless riders who sustain otherwise preventable head injuries.

steamboatcrazy
August 29, 2008 at 2:22 p.m.
› Suggest removal

An accident is just that, an accident. I know, and you have as well awolffjr, people that were killed or critically injured while wearing a helmet. The rider should be able to make his/her own decision. We all pay for a lot of things that we have no control in. Should we ban guns because of gun accidents? wait don't answer that… I know you're answer. I feel very bad for Frank and his family and wish him a full recovery.

playa46
August 29, 2008 at 6:42 p.m.
› Suggest removal

Crazy-
“the rider should make his or her own decision” what if the person is drunk (this rule apllies to drivers) and can't make a correct decision? Someone else could have been injured in this incedent you know…

motoman
August 30, 2008 at 6:50 a.m.
› Suggest removal

The statistics are overwhelming. Helmets save lives as well as saving the rest of us from having to clean up after helmetless riders who suffer head injuries. Arguments against mandatory helmet laws are akin to arguing against mandatory seatbelt laws. It's a no-brainer. No pun intended.

playa46
August 31, 2008 at 9:34 p.m.
› Suggest removal

Well put motoman