Humboldt player believed to have died in horrific crash returns home from hospital
One can only imagine what the family of Xavier LaBelle has gone through.
The Humboldt Broncos defenseman was misidentified as a fatality from the team’s tragic bus crash back in April.
As traumatic as the experience has been for LaBelle’s loved ones, Friday was a highlight they’ll never forget.
Xavier walked out of the hospital, a major step in his recovery.
The courageous 18-year-old issued a statement updating his condition.
Xavier Labelle who was injured during the @HumboldtBroncos bus crash and suffered from a fractured skull, concussion, internal bleeding, other internal injuries & approximately 20 broken bones, including 13 in his spine has now been discharged from the hospital. #HumboldtStrong pic.twitter.com/rhbHlVweXz
— Angie Mellen (@angie_mellen) June 6, 2018
“It was awful,” Xavier said, “but today I am able to walk and look forward to eventually running and skating. I am healing, and I am feeling better every day.”
Incredible survival pictures @HumboldtBroncos Xavier LaBelle released yesterday from Saskatoon hospital – then, (early April) and now – 2 months since the collision in Sask. which killed 16 others. @cbcnews @CBCTheNational pic.twitter.com/rnBiZb0C8Y
— Susan Ormiston (@OrmistonOnline) June 7, 2018
Thanks to tutoring in the hospital, LaBelle is scheduled to graduate from high school later this month.
Humboldt Broncos player released from Saskatoon hospital, plans to graduate https://t.co/VGd8CpJQLv #yxe pic.twitter.com/zPQnKkeWCh
— CTV Saskatoon (@ctvsaskatoon) June 6, 2018
Perhaps as a blessing, Xavier has no recollection of the crash, or the ensuing two weeks. He suffered a fractured skull, with about 20 broken bones, 13 in his spine.
Of course, healing for the Humboldt family is a work in progress, and will be for a long time.
“Although all of the Bronco families and loved ones are still trying to come to terms with the magnitude of this loss, we are supporting each other as best as we can,” LaBelle said.
Authorities misidentified LaBelle as one of the 16 people who didn’t survive the crash, but the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice cleared up the confusion and announced it was Parker Tobin who had died.
This week was another major step for all of the Broncos.
“We believed in each other,” LaBelle said. “I believe people will never forget what happened to us. I believe we will get through this together.”
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