Aaron Lephart Motorcycle Accident!

[SixFrame]

For those of you who have a relationship with Lockhart Phillips, I thought I would pass on some bad news.

Upon calling in this morning to order some parts, I learned that Aaron was involved in a very bad motorcycle accident last Saturday and remains in the hospital in a coma with a broken back, neck, wrist, and jaw. I have pasted updates from his mother below.

He is currently being cared for in the Intensive Care Unit at Dessert Springs Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.

-Jake Frame
WMRRA # 115

____________________________

This morning Larry and I met with two of his three trauma Dr.s . Here’s what they said:

Aaron’s brain has subdural bleeding and intervaticular hemoraging. There is a drain to draw off excess fluid and to allow room for some swelling that has taken place. He also has orbital fractures over the right eye and sinus fracture (upper right cheek area) as well as the two breaks in his jaw. He has multiple right wrist fractures. He is running a temperature of 102 – 103 degrees and has the first stages of pneumonia. His body is “posturing” which is not particularly good but expected. He has rib fractures and his right lung has massive contusions. He remains on a respirator. They want his right lung to get better because the back surgery involves going in from the front, deflating the left lung and remove the fractured pieces, insert a circular cage with a rod to stabilize it.

While we were there today they put a feeding tube through his nose.

The Dr.’s say his age, health and stamina are good qualities to help him heal.

The “To Do” List for Aaron is as follows:

Monitor head injury and remove drain in 10 days when stable. Put a cast on right wrist.
Next will be a trakeostomy so that the breathing tube in his throat can be removed and not damage vocal cords.
When pneumonia is no longer an issue they will perform the back surgery.
Jaw wiring.
The coma can last two weeks on the short end and years on the long end.

That’s all we know at this point. Aaron needs complete rest and they don’t even want us to try to get him to respond to us as he needs to heal. So we’re just going to treat him like he’s having a long nap. We’ll stay in touch by phone most of the time and see him every three days for the next two weeks. There’s lots of things for us to figure out like bill paying on line, banking, state required paperwork etc. which will keep us busy on the off days. Keep Praying !

Larry and Valorie Lephart (949) 581-4527 Lephart@cox.net
24002 La Chiquita
Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Subject: Daily Report on Aaron for 4-26-06

It’s 7pm and Aaron had a good day. Dr. Phan saw that he was intentionally moving his left arm and left leg. He is sure it was not posturing but intentional movement. His temperature was up to 103.5 but an ice bath and tylonal has brought it down to 100.8.

They biopsied his sputum and found two different bacteria bugs so he is on antibiotics to address those particular bugs.

They weren’t able to get the feeding tube in his nose but the throat tube is deep enough that they can feed him through that. His two feedings have been tolerated well at 30 cc’s an hour and “his guts are gurgling” which means he’s digesting the food. This is all good.

They are planning to do a repeat cat scan tomorrow morning to check the brain.

As you can see by the mail call list, Aaron has many friends and I really appreciate your kind thoughts. I believe in the power of prayer.

I had just flown to Las Vegas Saturday morning to be with my sister when this accident happened. I was able to get a flight to Palm Springs Sunday morning. With Aaron’s many diverse friends I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised to see Air Force One on the tarmack as my plane landed – coincidence?

Valorie

April 27th, 2006:

They did the cat scan but no results as yet.

Aaron’s running a temperature 101-102 and is on tylanol. The orthopedist didn’t like the boots on his feet and is coming in tomorrow with better ones to keep his feet straight. He has leg wraps to prevent blood clots.

The swelling over his right eye is not as bad.

They’ve slowed down the feeding as he was not processing it like yesterday.

So that’s it. He remains in his cocoon to heal.

Thanks for your continued prayers and good thoughts.

Larry and Valorie

[justintime2]

I called last monday to order parts to and the gal on the phone, who was really upset, told me all the details they knew then. This is more detail so thanks for posting. Never met the guy but spoke to him on the phone and through emails, this sucks. :(

[Steve]

There was information posted on RRW last week as well along with the LP forum. I have spoken with Aaron many times on the phone and have always found him (and Rick) to be extremely helpful and patient. You can definitely tell he enjoys his job. I just hope he makes a full recovery soon. :(

[SixFrame]

Below is an email from Aaron's Mother this morning...

______________________________

Aaron has pneumonia. It was expected. They’re fighting two different bugs with antibiotics.

His coma scale is not as deep as when first evaluated.

The Trauma Dr. feels that the catheter can be removed from Aaron’s head and will consult with the other Dr. to remove it soon.

He’s on meds to help digest the feeding tube meals. Perhaps they should try the ground steak and lobster.

It is their intention to do the trake procedure on Monday. It will be done bedside with a bronkioscope.

He is responding when the nurse instructs him to move his foot or squeeze his hand although not all the time.

They affirm his head injury is very severe. However, I feel he’s on the road to recovery. It will just be at his own pace.

Thanks so much for the wonderful responses from all over the country for Aaron’s recovery. Your prayers are appreciated in all the time zones!

Larry and Valorie

[Steve]

Does anyone know details of the accident?

[tarheel]

Was the accident Street related or was he racing. Maybe there's a lesson in there somewhere.

Get well soon bro!!

[Steve]

Was the accident Street related or was he racing. Maybe there's a lesson in there somewhere.

Get well soon bro!!

I know it was street related but nothing more than that.

[SixFrame]

I was told by Veronica at LP that he was out with two friends on a street ride. They went into a corner and Aaron lost control of his bike. From what I understand, there were no cars involved. That is what she offered up and I didn't quite feel right probing as she was very upset. I'll keep posting the updates as I get them.

[Darkside]

Yeah this just sucks I have talked to Aaron many times in the last year or so and even meet him down at Laguna last summer...I wish he does make a full recovery.

[tarheel]

Street riding sucks!!!! Just my opinion. Haven't been on the street since April '05 after a severe close call.

[EmDee]

Thanks for posting the info guys. Its a shame and hopefully he'll heal up and be able to recover from this.

[FISHGUY]

Jake, keep everyone in the loop on his condition as best as you can and let his family know that we're all praying for a speedy recovery!!!!

E. D.
Team EMS

[purplemoonstone]

Aaron’s low grade fever continues but it’s not a major concern. Post op X-rays of his jaw are being done tonight. His morphine drip has been lowered. He had his eyes open and the nurse said ” Can you close your eyes if you’re in pain? “ He kept them open. Then she said “Can you close your eyes?” AND HE DID! I hope you all take this as a gift for all your prayers because you truly deserve to share in these recovery moments.



Our son-in-law Robbie has developed an eccoli infection in his abdominal wound. This is not good. They have brought down some new antibiotics to try because his immune system is so weak from all the antibiotics he’s been taking since he first got to ICU on March 2nd. He’s had five major surgeries with colon removal next on the agenda. Our daughter Amy is fighting this battle in San Luis Obispo which is 4 hours up the road. She works as a CNA in a senior residence in Atascadero doing the 11pm-7am shift so she’s run ragged with paperwork and visits during the day.



Both my boys need lots of positive thoughts!

this is from may 15th,2006

Larry and Valorie lephart

[purplemoonstone]

from may 17th 2006

Today Aaron moved out of the trauma pod to the ICU Floor where he was visited by Rick and Summar Ruelle and Almendra Johnson from Lockhart Phillips. (Rick and Summar were with Aaron when the accident happened.) I’m delighted to report that Aaron reacted immediately at the sound of Rick’s voice and tried to give a smile a couple times. He moved his arms a lot and when Almendra put a Maraiha Carey CD in his walkman he really brightened up! It was a great visit and when they left Aaron was tired. This kind of stimulation is exactly what he needs and once he’s in the sub acute facility and closer to everybody I hope you’ll all take time to visit him. We aren’t withholding any information from him so feel free to talk about anything that has a positive outlook.



I’m going out of town till Sunday night but Larry will be holding down the fort and the Daily Reports. Thank you for your continued interest and support.



Larry and Valorie

[purplemoonstone]

On May 26th :D It’s official. Aaron is OUT OF THE COMA!!! He has awakened enough times being aware and able to respond to have it proclaimed that he is out! The next step is capping the trake tube to see how he does with the cap on. He may be able to speak with the cap on. If that goes well the trake tube will come out. After that the feeding tube comes out. Anyway that’s the sequence of events but no time table as to when it happens. Physical therapy is going to be getting him up more so that those back muscles start to get strong again.



I agree with the nurse today when she said “Aaron is truly blessed to be out of the coma as fast as he is”. There are many at that facility who have been there a really long time.



I feel like a big weight has been lifted from our shoulders today and your prayers have lifted the burden immensely. Thank you everyone for all your positive thoughts and prayers.



Larry and Valorie and Amy

[justintime2]

Thanks for the update

[dmurrey]

It is great to hear about the improvements.
thanks for posting this.
-Darren

[Ex Presidente]

This is actually a little out of date. Aaron is the Acute Care Facility and is doing well. He is responding by moving his arms and legs. He is also communicating with everyone and agitated about the trake tube. And he is also saying that he wants to go home!
All good signs considering the shape he is in.

Luke

[ALephart]

Yeah baby!

Thanks for everyones support through this ordeal.

Aaron Lephart

[theguas]

Hey!?

Where did you come from? How did you get on this list?

How is everything going for you? How is the car project going?

Great to hear from you, talk to you soon!


Brad Gua
Performance Coatings, Inc.

[ALephart]

Hey Brad,

I am everywhere. Google is your friend (or enemy).

The SLK is doing great. Valvecover looks great blacked out. You did a great job.

Aaron Lephart

[justintime2]

Nice to see ya back in action Aaron! How's your progress in recovery? :)

[ALephart]

Going good.

I left Lockhart 6 weeks ago after 7 years. I did'nt want to be on the ship when it went down.

Taking some time off. Taking my car to the track, working on my tan, going to the gym, ya know, tough stuff!

Aaron Lephart

[Mr Sunshine]

I left Lockhart 6 weeks ago after 7 years. I did'nt want to be on the ship when it went down.

I had no idea until this thread popped up. Glad you are getting on with life. :dancingchili:

Now LP crashing and burning? This shall be interesting to watch.

[ALephart]

I had no idea until this thread popped up. Glad you are getting on with life. :dancingchili:

Now LP crashing and burning? This shall be interesting to watch.


I plan on going on a roadtrip as soon as my Smart car rolls in! I will have allot to say. Maybe I'll run by a WMRRA event!

Aaron Lephart

[justintime2]

I tried to get an update on you everytime I called in for parts orders and the guy who was riding with you, forget his name, was glad to share!

LP goind down the crapper? I hope not... :(

[ALephart]

I tried to get an update on you everytime I called in for parts orders and the guy who was riding with you, forget his name, was glad to share!

LP goind down the crapper? I hope not... :(


Ahh Rick, yeah cool. Things between us are switched up now that Wendell Phillips gave him my job title. Saying "Its now a basic customer service position". What crap. 1 for him offering Rick the position and 2 for Rick taking it, when I hired HIM.

Aaron Lephart

[orangeblurr]

Street riding sucks!!!! Just my opinion. Haven't been on the street since April '05 after a severe close call.
I'm with you. Riding on the street blows. Everyone asks me why I don't ride on the road anymore and my answer is always the same. It's too dangerous and not worth the trouble. One of my best friends was killed two weeks ago on the street after I just got him on the track. He had been riding for about 5 years and TONS of miles under his belt, and now he's dead. Just trying to say it...does...not....matter how good you think you are or how much experience you have, the street sucks because it is always unforgiving. I am actively trying to get ALL my friends to the track where it is safer, more controlled, and much more fun than being a parking lot pimp! Plus, for christ sake, there is an ambulance parked on the track!! I really wish the best for Aaron, as I work in the radiology department in the hospital and I read all of his symptoms and pathologies, I cannot believe he isn't dead. Honestly. He has a long road ahead of him, and for him, and his family's sake, I hope he pulls through with shining colors.

[Mr Sunshine]

As for street riding I think the question is "Why do you ride?" The answer on whether or not you ride on the street is depended on that question.

[orangeblurr]

As for street riding I think the question is "Why do you ride?" The answer on whether or not you ride on the street is depended on that question.
cause I wanna go fast!

[AndrewN]

..and much more fun than being a parking lot pimp!

I don't ride a street bike to sit in a parking lot... don't be a hater ! :-) I'll never give up riding on the street. More people die in car accidents, than bike accidents, and even though there are way more cars, i'm willing to bet your not that much more likely to die in a motorcycle accident. I think we just hear about it more, and are more closely connected to motorcyclists, and therefore a little biased. I'd rather ride a bike than drive a car, I like the wind around me, saving money on gas and the warm rumble under my nuts is nice too. Here's to riding on the street !! :beerchug: ..... safely of course :dancingchili:

[orangeblurr]

I don't ride a street bike to sit in a parking lot... don't be a hater ! :-) I'll never give up riding on the street. More people die in car accidents, than bike accidents, and even though there are way more cars, i'm willing to bet your not that much more likely to die in a motorcycle accident. I think we just hear about it more, and are more closely connected to motorcyclists, and therefore a little biased. I'd rather ride a bike than drive a car, I like the wind around me, saving money on gas and the warm rumble under my nuts is nice too. Here's to riding on the street !! :beerchug: ..... safely of course :dancingchili:
I used to love riding the street. But you're wrong when you say "I'm willing to bet your not that much more likely to die in a motorcycle accident." That is just simply not true for obvious reasons. The problem with riding on the street is there is no protection when you go down. Leathers and gloves and helmet are all damage control, not miracles. Sometimes I miss riding on the road, but then I see all the crazy ass drivers out there who can't even see a car while they're talkin on the phone/changing the radio/smacking the kids/smoking/speeding/changing lanes without looking/tailgating and flipping someone off all at the same time. Where I say you're wrong is that when you crash on a motorcycle, you always lose, every single time. In a car, they make them so safe now, the chances of a person dying are not low, but extremely lower than a motorcycle. Even if you're the safest rider out there, that doesn't mean everyone else is, and when they hit you....you lose, not them. This is unfortunate, but true. And when you do crash, where are you gonna slide? Into a tree? Into a car? Into a guard rail? All of those little nuiances that we forget about because we never hit them with our bodies at fast speeds. I'm not saying that you in particular are dangerous and crazy, matter of fact you're probably really safe. But if you go down on the road, what's gonna happen? How far away is the ambulance? There's a good chance you'll be okay but hurt, but there is also a good chance you wont. Do you wanna roll those dice? I've just seen too many friends die/coma/brain damage/jacked up bikes and bodies to say "that won't happen to me." Just be safe bro.

[ALephart]

I always tell people, I trust myself. It's just everyone else I cannot trust. Like everywhere, Cali had got crazier to street ride. With more people out of work, people are moody enough already. Add a rapid lange change into the mix and it just might set them off.

Aaron Lephart

[ALephart]

http://www.techvelocity.com/gtp/misc/EX250stunnah.jpg

Thanks everyone!

And yes I do have boots! I was so excited to ride it to my parents house I forgot to wear them.

Aaron Lephart

[Lauralynne]

start a new thread for crying out loud - you scared the bejezzus out of me!!

Good to see you on a bike again!

[ALephart]

LOL sorry, just gives people a little background!

Aaron Lephart

[Jet City Racer]

Aaron~ Words can't describe how glad I am to even know you survived. Wendell and the LP staff stayed in touch with me throughout your ordeal. :clap:



I'm sure he doesn't remember, but I saw Aaron only a few days before this mishap. :shrug:

[ALephart]

Thank you kindly!

Bits and pieces continue to flow in regarding the days proceeding my accident, all of which are interesting to hear! Where you picking up parts at LPUSA?

All the best,
Aaron Lephart

[Jet City Racer]

Thank you kindly!

Bits and pieces continue to flow in regarding the days proceeding my accident, all of which are interesting to hear! Where you picking up parts at LPUSA?

All the best,
Aaron Lephart
Does this picture help??? #54

http://www.upitall.com/Public/Pictures/holehsot.jpg

http://www.upitall.com/Public/Pictures/4party.jpg

Don Dahl
Jet City Racing

[ALephart]

Stateline! VERY cool!

All the best,
Aaron Lephart