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Michael Schumacher’s doctors refrain from forecasts, but do not exclude fatality

Seven-time world champion of Formula 1 remains in critical condition and is placed in a state of artificial coma

© EPA/VALDRIN XHEMAJ

PARIS, December 30. /ITAR-TASS/. Seven-time world racing champion in Formula 1 class Michael Schumacher, who was seriously injured while skiing on Sunday, remains in serious condition. “It is too early to make any forecasts,” Jean-Francois Payen, intensive care service head said at a press conference in Grenoble hospital. When asked about the likelihood of death, he stressed that “unfortunately, the threat to life persists”.

Michael Schumacher has been brought to hospital on Monday after an incident at Alpine resort Meribel, Savoy, at the foot of the Alps. The ex-racer was skiing with his son outside the ski trail, slipped and fell, hitting his head against the rocks hidden under the snow. As a result, he received a serious brain injury that required emergency hospitalization involving a rescue.”If he was not wearing a helmet, he would have died at the spot,” the anesthesiologist said.

“When he arrived, he was in coma, and he underwent a surgery in order to reduce intracranial pressure,” professor Payen added. “The scanning showed numerous hematomas, cerebral concussion, as well as a hemorrhagic stroke”. The doctor added that the patient has been placed in a state of artificial coma and is at general anesthesia. At the same time, he dismissed reports of some media saying that Schumacher underwent two surgeries, stressing that he had only one surgery at present.

Schumacher is seven-time world champion in Formula 1 car racing. Two times he came second at championships, and three times – third. The 44-year-old German marked numerous Formula 1 records: by the number of Grand Prix victories (91), pedestals (155), victories in one season (13), quick cycles (77), as well as subsequent champion titles (5).

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