Columbus basketball player recovering after serious accident
COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) — A Columbus teenager is now listed in stable condition after a terrible crash last night in Bartholomew County.
Josh Spiedel’s mother tells our news-gathering partners at The Republic newspaper that he is now breathing on his own and pressure on his brain is normal.
Josh is a stand out basketball player for Columbus North High School, and had planned to play for the University of Vermont.
“Everyone is really sad and praying and hoping that he recovers,” said classmate Cheyenne Doles.
“Our prayers go out to him and his family,” said Lori Rains, another classmate.
The accident happened Sunday night at the intersection of US 31 and Bear Lane Road in Taylorsville.
The Bartholomew County Sherriff’s office says Josh had to be cut out of the car using the Jaws of Life.
Neither his female passenger, nor the occupants of the other car were seriously injured. Josh though is suffering from a fractured skull and broken jaw.
“For us its another one of our students and we’re all family,” said Central North principal David Clark.
The school has a card for the students to sign.
The accident is also being felt in Burlington Vermont.
“Our relationship with our players and recruits go beyond the basketball court,” said UVM Men’s Basketball Head Coach John Becker. “Right now we’re just concerned with Josh, his health and well-being.”
Back at home, they’re saying the accident put things back in perspective
“Caring about each other, loving each other supporting each other and that’s whats risen to the top this morning,” said Clark. “Basketball is fun and basketball is a great outlet but its not the most important thing in life, there are things that do supersede basketball even in Indiana.”
The hashtag #JoshStrong is also trending on Twitter and a GoFundMe has been set up to help the Spiedels pay for Josh’s medical costs.
Coach Becker will be traveling here to Indianapolis on Wednesday to visit Josh and his family.
Meanwhile Columbus North’s basketball season is continuing with games tomorrow and Saturday. They’re asking all those who attend to wear blue and white, the school colors.