German bicycle tourist still in coma; going home

A German bicycle traveler is returning home from the US, in spite of his comatose condition.

Michael Sprick has been hospitalized in Roanoke on life support ever since he was struck by a delivery truck on a Virginia highway on Oct. 8. A judge fined the motorist $500 in court on Tuesday.

In spite of being thousands of miles from home, friends he had made during his travels in the US have gathered around to lend support. That support hasn't slackened as the days turned into weeks turned into months.

If not for the tragic results of the crash, this would be a feel-good
story about the bicycle community pulling together to help one of their
own.

Supporters

One Idaho bicyclist, Larry Blakey, who had ridden with Sprick a few days in New England cut short his bike tour to visit him in the hospital.

Alinda Perrine, the
owner of Free Spirit Adventures, a West Virginia bike-touring outfit, launched a Facebook page “Friends of Michael Sprick” where more than 160 supporters can find updates. She also arranged for translators and housing for Sprick's sister who visited in October. She only met him briefly when he stopped there to fix a flat.

Another supporter, Barbara Duerk, said Sprick's hospital room is decorated with balloons, Christmas decorations and greeting cards attached to a bulletin board and standing on the window sill.

According to the Roanoke Times, Sprick's condition has stabilized enough that he can take a special medical flight to Germany. He left the hospital in Roanoke on Wednesday and take up residence in a long-time care facility near his home in Germany.

Court hearing

Meanwhile, the driver of the delivery truck was in court on Tuesday. The driver faced charges of reckless driving and driving on a suspended license, both misdemeanors.

Not surprisingly, four of Sprick's supporters from Roanoke, Radford and Blacksburg showed up at the hearing. One visitor reported on Facebook that the truck driver was found guilty on both counts and fined $500 for reckless driving. The judge suspended a 90-day jail sentence for reckless driving.

A reading of her report leaves open many questions about why the truck driver initially left the scene of the crash.

She also noted a court reporter from a private attorney hired by Sprick's family also was on hand to record the testimony for possible civil case.

Donations

Meanwhile, a fund has been set up to help Sprick's family with legal and medical expenses. Donations can be made through the South Roanoke United Methodist Church, 2330 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA, 24014.