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

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

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.

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

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: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2018, all rights reserved.

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9 Comments

  • TheJtrain December 28, 2018 at 6:24 am

    It seems like a poor decision to publish pictures of an unconscious adult. Especially one in a medical condition such as this. The editors of this “news” platform need a lesson on newsworthiness.

    • Comment December 28, 2018 at 12:54 pm

      This is the reality of a brain injury. Would you like it censored so that you can feel better about it? I’m sure the family consented to the photos so why is it a problem?

      • homer498 December 28, 2018 at 8:02 pm

        Agreed. But snowboarding ? Let’s see motorcycles the next day. Day after day after day. Do you know two people in Utah from the same family were killed weeks apart in separate motorcycle accidents, one of them a LEO.

        • TheJtrain December 29, 2018 at 6:55 am

          Homer, are you anti motorcycle?

        • Comment December 29, 2018 at 1:30 pm

          yup, death traps, it’s why i gave up riding

      • TheJtrain December 29, 2018 at 5:50 am

        The problem lies in the decision to publish this “story.” I never called for censorship. I simply pointed out that publishing pictures of an unconscious adult is in bad taste. How would you like the entire city of st george to see you in your worst state, sprawled out on a hospital bed with tubes dissapearing inside your body? If this young man wakes up he might be terribly embarrased.

        As for the commentor urging me to close my browser if I dont like what I’m reading or seeing: I am terribly sorry that my critical analysis is lost on you. Maybe you can discontinue reading my posts:)

        • Redbud December 29, 2018 at 10:09 pm

          Your “critical analysis” as you call it, is called whining, and it won’t get you anywhere. I’d hate to be the one to inform you, but no one cares about your little tantrum and it won’t ever get you what you want. Now put your pacifier back in your mouth and keep quiet. Silence is golden.

    • Redbud December 28, 2018 at 1:51 pm

      I don’t see anything wrong with it. If you don’t like what you see, feel free to stop reading the news, or close your browser. I hope he continues to get better, and continues to receive the help and support he needs.

  • ladybugavenger December 29, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    Wonder how he is doing?

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