February 21, 2012
02/22/12 Austin Schoff, 18, remains in critical but stable condition today (Tuesday).
The teen was flown to South Bend after being hit by a car in the 10000 block of Michigan Road around 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department reported Lauren Tanner, 17, was driving north on Michigan Road near 11th Road in a 2009 Suburban, when she suddenly saw Schoff — who she said was wearing dark clothing — walking near the edge of the road and hit him.
Tanner stopped her car a short distance away from the accident and called 911. Tanner’s father, a Plymouth paramedic, was first on scene and called dispatch for Medflight immediately.
Medics rushed Schoff — with head injuries — to Plymouth Municipal Airport where he was transferred to a Medflight helicopter, which then transported him to Memorial Hospital in South Bend.
“We know it was an accident and we forgive Lauren and hope she forgives herself,” said Schoof’s mother, Kathy. “It’s what our son would want. All we can do is believe for a miracle and move forward. We are taking things moment by moment and day by day. He remains sedated and we will not know of any long term effects or damage until he is stable enough to be removed from that sedation.”
The Schoof family, mom Kathy and father Billy, have been posting pictures and updates as often as they can to their Facebook pages “so that people can know how to pray and celebrate with me when the time comes.”
She added, “Please extend our gratitude and appreciation to the community. We are truly overwhelmed by the support we have received on our son’s behalf.”
In the family update this morning, Kathy said, “The draining tube that is in his brain remains off and he continued to be stable. They began to wean him off the propofol through the night to attempt stopping it this morning. He did not respond well without the sedation. His blood pressure, heart rate and intracranial pressure increased enough to warrant continued sedation. Please continue to pray and believe with us.”
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