Doctors made 'limb for life' decision for wrestlers

David Montero, Rocky Mountain News

Published January 26, 2007 at midnight

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Tyler Carron, the wrestler who lost his legs along with friend and teammate Nikko Landeros last week while changing a tire on the side of the road, released a short video statement today made from his hospital room.

"I know Nikko would like to be here to, but unfortunately he has surgery, but he's doing well," Carron said to the camera. "We just want to thank everyone who has donated and kept us in their thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate it. And we'll be out of here soon. Thank you."

The short DVD was made available by medical staff at Denver Health Medical Center. The doctors who performed the operations on the boys said each can expect at least another week's worth of surgeries and an eventual life with prosthetic legs.

Landeros is also battling pneumonia and is in serious condition, said Dr. Philip Stahel.

He said Carron is doing better, but was having another surgery today as well. The wrestlers at Berthoud High School were praised by doctors for being in great physical shape, and doctors say that has helped with their recovery.

Stahel, along with Dr. Gene Moore, said the amputations were required because they had to make a "limb for life" decision on the boys. Both had lost a lot of blood and when they tried to reattach one of Landeros' legs, the body rejected it.

Flanked by family members — including the boys' mothers who asked not to be identified — the doctors said they wanted the boys to rehabilitate together.

"They are a team," Stahel said.

Lori Moriarity, Caron's aunt, read a statement where she praised the boys' courage through the trauma and said the families were thankful they are alive.

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