Family of injured Humboldt Bronco speak on recovery

One of the 13 people injured in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash five months ago is still recovering in hospital.

According to a statement from family, released by the Saskatchewan Health Authority Monday, Morgan Gobeil sustained a significant brain injury.

Gobeil was a defenceman on the Humboldt Broncos hockey team. Twenty-nine members of the junior hockey organization were on board the team bus when it collided with a semi north of Tisdale on April 6, killing 16 people.

Gobeil’s family wrote the 18-year-old is recovering, but has a long way to go and will remain in hospital a few more months.

The statement added his brain injury was significant and the past months “have been difficult with the road to recovery complex. But at the same time, it has been remarkable to watch his progress.”

Gobeil’s family goes on to say he is currently focused on rehab, where he is taking part in physio, occupational and speech therapies, and does it all with “a good demeanour.”

In the statement, Gobeil’s family said he is aware he was in a bus crash, but does not know the extent of what happened.

They added the outpouring of support has been overwhelming, and while Gobeil is unaware of the extent, his family appreciates everyone who has reached out.

“We are so grateful for that. We want to say thank you to the first responders who were on the scene, and to all those nearby who opened their homes and their arms to support everyone during such a terrible time that night.

Thank you to everyone in the Nipawin and Tisdale hospitals for all they did for us in those first hours.”

They went on to thank STARS Air Ambulance, the Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon City Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

They also thanked volunteers who helped Gobeil attend his older brother’s wedding this summer.

“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and ask that you continue to pray for Morgan’s recovery.”