Erickson in Critical But Stable Condition
FORT MYERS, FL (March 24) - Former Northwest Conference Superintendent Paul Erickson is listed in critical but stable condition and remains unconscious after sustaining a severe head injury Wednesday, when he was struck by a van while bicycling.
Erickson, 66, was vacationing on Sanibel Island, Florida, when the accident occurred, according to the President's Office of the Evangelical Covenant Church. He is being treated at Lee Memorial Hospital in Ft. Myers.
Erickson, his wife, Joan, and Joan's sister were riding single file at the time of the accident. A van traveling immediately behind the group attempted to pass Erickson, who was in the rear of the line, but broadsided him.
Doctors have been able to stop the bleeding in Erickson's brain. He has a skull fracture and two blood clots, though no broken bones.
Whether doctors will perform surgery has not been decided. Doctors say it will be several days before they can make a prognosis.
Paul Erickson was superintendent from 1995 to 2003. He was ordained in 1968 and served churches primarily in the West and Midwest.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.