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July 11, 2009

Motorcyclist remains in critical condition

By Meghan McCormick

A motorcyclist who was severely injured in a crash Wednesday night remains in a medically induced coma at an Oklahoma City hospital, according to his family.

Tony Craven's mother-in-law, Dorothy Davis, said Craven, 38, suffered multiple fractures throughout his body.

"Every bone in his face is broke," she said.

Davis said Craven's femur, hip and right wrist all were fractured as a result of the crash. Craven wasn't wearing a helmet when the crash occurred.

"His skull was cracked open," she said. "They had to stitch it back together. He has bleeding on his brain."

Norman police said the wreck happened just after 5 p.m. Wednesday on Highway 9 near 168th Avenue NE. A preliminary investigation determined Ruedonna Wilkins, 54, of Norman, was driving a 2006 Buick Lucerne eastbound on Highway 9 when she turned left into the path of a Craven's 2000 Kawasaki V75 motorcycle which was westbound on the highway.

Craven was transported from the scene by Medi-Flight helicopter to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She said Craven underwent surgery Friday morning to repair a compound fracture in his wrist.

"They're going to have to plate it," Davis said about the procedure.

She said Craven also suffered a broken back in the wreck. So far, doctors don't believe his spinal cord was injured.

Craven's physicians planned to reduce some of his sedation medicine Friday, to see how he reacts to pain, Davis said.

She said Craven has ridden and owned motorcycles most of his life. He was heading home from work Wednesday when the accident happened.

Davis said her daughter, Crystal, was working at the Ace Hardware store in Purcell Wednesday evening when she was told her husband had been involved in a vehicle collision. The couple has three children, Billy, 6, Denyse, 9, and Tyler, 17.

The mother-in-law said she and her husband live near Walters, but drove up to Craven's home in Lexington when they learned about the accident.

Davis said she believes the family has insurance, but Crystal worries about finances because she's already missed two days of work.

"She's holding up, but she's not taking it real good," Davis said.

Craven is being treated at the OU Medical Center's trauma unit, she said.

"He's going to be in trauma for at least two weeks, maybe longer," Davis said.

Meghan McCormick

366-3539

mmccormick@normantranscript.com

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