21-year-old injured while snowboarding at Brian Head remains in ICU

December 27, 2018 Utah Channel 3

ST. GEORGE — A Washington City man who suffered a serious head injury while snowboarding at Brian Head Resort on Christmas Eve remains in intensive care at the hospital.

Fred Ream lies in a hospital bed following his Dec. 24, 2018, head injury at Brian Head Ski Resort in Utah | Photo courtesy of Ream family, St. George News

Frederick Ream, 21, was injured at about 1:30 p.m. Monday on the slopes when he hit a bump, fell backward and hit his head on the ground, his brother Darell Ream told St. George News Thursday morning. A novice snowboarder, Fred Ream had been out on the slopes for a few hours with a small group of friends and coworkers when the accident occurred.

“Some bystanders saw it happen and got medical personnel,” Darell Ream said. “When medical personnel arrived at the scene, he was unconscious so they had him life-flighted to St. George.”

After being transported via air ambulance to Dixie Regional Medical Center, Fred Ream then underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.

Burke Wilkerson, who is the vice president, general manager and chief financial officer at Brian Head Resort, said resort officials would not be able to comment about the incident.

“We respect the privacy of our guests and do not discuss nor disclose information regarding accidents or the nature of the guest’s injuries,” Wilkerson said in a written statement emailed to St. George News.

Deputy Jared Burton of Brian Head Public Safety said first aid and other medical care at the scene was handled by members of the ski patrol and Gold Cross Ambulance, while Brian Head Marshals also responded to the incident. An Intermountain Life Flight helicopter crew then transported Fred Ream from Brian Head Ski Resort to the hospital.

Darell Ream said the family has set up a GoFundMe page for donations to help with medical bills. The page had already raised more than $2,100 of its initial $10,000 goal as of Thursday morning.

Darell Ream said although his brother has not yet regained consciousness, the family received encouraging signs Thursday when Fred Ream was able to open one of his eyes on command on more than one occasion. Further tests are being done to help determine the extent of Fred Ream’s injuries, along with his prognosis for recovery.

“They’re working on one of his lungs, which has been having a little bit of a pneumonia,” Darell Ream added.

Fred and Darell Ream, who are originally from Colorado City, Arizona, have 10 other siblings in their large family, which includes many cousins and other extended family members.

Ed. note: When making charitable contributions it is advisable to consult with professionals for tax advice and investment risks.

Email: jrichards@stgnews.com

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