Ponder ISD track coach in ICU after freak shot put accident

Blake Crutsinger (Ponder ISD)

A Ponder ISD coach is in the intensive care unit after being hit in the head with a shot put during a track meet this past weekend.

What we know:

Coach Blake Crutsinger was critically injured during a Texas UIL regional track meet in Tyler, Texas on Saturday, according to posts on social media by friends and family members.

A GoFundMe page set up for the family states he was "involved in a freak accident and was struck by a shot put." 

He was admitted to an ICU in East Texas with a skull fracture and brain swelling, undergoing surgery earlier in the week to reduce the swelling.

What they're saying:

Crutsinger’s wife turned to social media to thank his supporters.

"The term "coaching family" is a real thing! The quick actions of the coaches, trainers, and any medical staff that helped at the school and the quick response of the ambulance was a game changer in Blake’s prognosis," she said.

The Ponder Fellowship of Christian Athletes also shared a photo of Crutsinger and his family, asking for prayers.

The group organized a prayer vigil outside Ponder High School earlier this week. 

What we don't know:

Ponder ISD has not yet responded to FOX 4's request for comment.

The Source: The information in this story comes from comments from family and friends on social media.

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