In the past two weeks, several deaths have once again highlighted the sobering realities of head injury in sports and recreational activities.
In Missouri, 55-year-old Suzanne Pennington died from a closed TBI after snowboarding for two days. Though she was wearing a helmet, she fell a few times on the slopes on January 15 and sought medical help for head and neck pain the next day. She passed away on the 19th.
In Arizona, a 15-year-old boy died after suffering head trauma during a zip line accident Saturday. He was participating in a Boy Scouts activity.
And in California, 31-year-old Oliver Lynch was found unconscious Sunday after suffering a head injury while swimming. He was resuscitated, taken to the hospital, and put in the medically-induced coma. He died Tuesday.
We mourn these three people, and our hearts and prayers go out to their families and communities as they grieve their losses. RIP.
*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g-forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.
