Defending 800 and 540cc AMA National Hillclimb Champion – and current points leader in both classes – David Watson was critically injured on Saturday, August 11, after crashing his Honda CR250 motocross bike while riding with friends.
According to family friend Rich O’Connor, Watson was play riding with friends at a local sand pit when he crashed off a jump. In the fall, Watson apparently became entangled with the motorcycle and received injuries to his spleen and kidneys, and sustained a collapsed lung from contact with the bike’s handlebars. Watson was also hit in the back and head when the bike landed on him, knocking him unconscious.
Friends called 911 on a cellular-phone, and Watson reportedly gained consciousness by the time paramedics arrived on scene. Watson was transported to a site where he could then be airlifted to Bay State Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Watson was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit where he had surgery to remove his spleen and stabilize his other internal injuries.
This morning O’Connor spoke with Watson’s mother who reported that Watson was conscious and responsive. The biggest concern at this point is his collapsed lung, which is currently being drained to avoid any complications that may arise from fluid build up, and currently remains in critical condition in the ICU.
With such critical injuries, and the remaining six rounds of the hillclimb series coming in quick succession, it looks like Watson’s championship hopes are all but gone, barring an amazing recovery. Watson currently leads Phil Libhart by 15 points, 131-116, in the 540cc points chase, and Tiger Strank Jr. by 20, 129-109, in the 800cc points chase.
Cards may be sent to: Watson Racing, c/o Dan Watson, Alden St., Ludlow, Mass. 01056.
