Former Canadian National XC Team Rider Matt Hadley Seriously Injured in Hiking Accident
Former Canadian National XC Team rider Matt Hadley was seriously injured after a rock fell on him in a fluke accident when he was hiking near Moab, Utah last Wednesday. With severe injuries to his right leg, doctors were forced to amputate from above the knee. Our thoughts are with Matt and his wife, also a former Canadian National XC Team racer, Catherine Vipond.
From Matt Hadley's GoFundMe page:
As many of you have now heard Matt was struck by a rock while he and Catherine were hiking just outside of Moab. Matt suffered severe trauma to his right leg and hand in what was a very lucky, unlucky accident. Wrong spot at the wrong time but somehow the rock managed to miss his head and abdominal area. Unfortunately, the impact to his leg was substantial. Initially he had a femoral artery graft and below the knee amputation, however there was too much trauma from the crush injury and a second surgery progressed the amputation to above the knee at the site of his femur fracture. Time will tell but the hope is that the remaining tissues will survive and no further progression is needed. He has a kidney injury but is holding strong as well as several displaced bones in his hand that will in time be realigned. The medical staff keep saying how strong his heart and lung are. They can't believe how strong and healthy he is, and we all know Matt is a fighter which is helping him right now.
Matt’s brother, Adam, and Catherine are together at Matt’s side and are appreciative and grateful for all the messages they have been receiving.
We know there is a broad and loving community out there that has felt the warmth and encouragement of Matt and Catherine over the years. Whether it has been through friendships, their coaching, inspiration as elite athletes, Matt’s incredible trail building which has expanded our beautiful Bow Valley playground or the amazing adventures they have lived, they have had a significant impact on Canmore and the community around them.
While insurance is helping with emergency medical costs, Matt has a long rehabilitation ahead of him. At this time, we have set up this donation page to assist Matt and Catherine with future financial support through this period. Donations will graciously help to support Matt’s rehabilitation - prosthetic, house modifications, PT and OT and unforeseen medical costs. This is just a short list as all the needs are not quite known at this point.
Thank you to everyone for the continued caring and supportive thoughts and messages being sent to Matt and his family at this time in addition to the kind donations. For current updates on Matt you can use the following link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthadley
As many of you have now heard Matt was struck by a rock while he and Catherine were hiking just outside of Moab. Matt suffered severe trauma to his right leg and hand in what was a very lucky, unlucky accident. Wrong spot at the wrong time but somehow the rock managed to miss his head and abdominal area. Unfortunately, the impact to his leg was substantial. Initially he had a femoral artery graft and below the knee amputation, however there was too much trauma from the crush injury and a second surgery progressed the amputation to above the knee at the site of his femur fracture. Time will tell but the hope is that the remaining tissues will survive and no further progression is needed. He has a kidney injury but is holding strong as well as several displaced bones in his hand that will in time be realigned. The medical staff keep saying how strong his heart and lung are. They can't believe how strong and healthy he is, and we all know Matt is a fighter which is helping him right now.
Matt’s brother, Adam, and Catherine are together at Matt’s side and are appreciative and grateful for all the messages they have been receiving.
We know there is a broad and loving community out there that has felt the warmth and encouragement of Matt and Catherine over the years. Whether it has been through friendships, their coaching, inspiration as elite athletes, Matt’s incredible trail building which has expanded our beautiful Bow Valley playground or the amazing adventures they have lived, they have had a significant impact on Canmore and the community around them.
While insurance is helping with emergency medical costs, Matt has a long rehabilitation ahead of him. At this time, we have set up this donation page to assist Matt and Catherine with future financial support through this period. Donations will graciously help to support Matt’s rehabilitation - prosthetic, house modifications, PT and OT and unforeseen medical costs. This is just a short list as all the needs are not quite known at this point.
Thank you to everyone for the continued caring and supportive thoughts and messages being sent to Matt and his family at this time in addition to the kind donations. For current updates on Matt you can use the following link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthadley
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7 Comments
- 18 0
sleziak
FL (Mar 19, 2019 at 11:00)
Terrible news. You would be hard pressed to find a nicer human being. Positive vibes to you and your family dude.
- 13 0
mattmonod
(Mar 19, 2019 at 12:33)
Matt has done a lot for the sport of mountain biking in our home town. He is an animal when it comes to big days in the mountains. He's an inspiration and will continue to be just that.
- 9 0
snowmaker
(Mar 19, 2019 at 11:27)
Tragic. Matt is a class act. all of my best energy goes out to you and your wife. i'm sure you will turn this into a positive and inspire all of us again.
- 5 0
rmcckevin
(Mar 19, 2019 at 17:17)
Both Matt and Catherine are two of the most down to earth kind people I’ve met in the mountain bike community. They are resilient people and will overcome these challenges. They will require lots of community support so if you can lend a hand or spare some $$ please do. They have helped countless others selflessly over the years it’s time to help them.
- 4 0
jaydubmah
(Mar 19, 2019 at 13:41)
Matt is a local legend and has done so much for our riding community. Sending you healing vibes Matt and I will connect with you more to see if there are ways I can help with recovery.
- 3 0
survivalofthefattest
(Mar 19, 2019 at 18:32)
Healing vibes sent to Matt. I've only met him once but a super chill dude who is one of the fastest fittest riders around, and like the article states, built many of the trails at the Canmore Nordic Center.
- 1 0
crazy-canuck
(Mar 19, 2019 at 21:05)
I spent some time with Matt years ago at the Windham and Mont Ste Anne WC races. Just one of the most pleasant and easy going people I have ever had the fortune of meeting. I truly wish Matt the best I possibly can for anyone!
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