Go to the mobile version of this Web site.

Login | Contact Us | Site Map | Paid archives | Electronic edition | Subscription Questions | Extras

Home › News › Local News

Tough choice: Life or limbs

Teen 'thanks' all as family, friends support wrestlers

David Montero, Rocky Mountain News

Published January 27, 2007 at midnight

Text size  

More Local News

More stories »

Lori Moriarity's eyes glistened with tears while two doctors sat stoically next to her in the basement of Denver Health Medical Center on Friday.

She used words such as "courageous" and "strongest" to describe her nephew, Tyler Carron, and his friend, Nikko Landeros. Behind her, family and friends of the teenage wrestlers from Berthoud High School held back tears.

They were all gathered to talk about the duo who lost their legs while changing a tire along a highway last week.

An SUV driven by a 17-year- old girl slammed into them Jan. 15, crushing their legs at the knees as they were pinned between both vehicles.

The doctors who operated on them said they had to make a "limb for life" decision. They also said belts applied as tourniquets by friends likely saved their lives by preventing massive blood loss.

"Those boys did a phenomenal job," said Dr. Ernest "Gene" Moore.

Now, almost two weeks since it happened, the 17-year-olds have had multiple surgeries, and while Carron was listed in fair condition Friday, Landeros was listed in serious condition, as he battled an infection in his lungs.

Moore said there was a brief moment in the operating room when they considered trying to salvage one of Landeros' legs, but it quickly became apparent that he would die if the leg stayed attached.

Carron was well enough Friday, in fact, that he was able to tape a short message on a video camera that was distributed later that afternoon.

He thanked everyone for their support."I know Nikko would like to be here too, but unfortunately, he has surgery, but he's doing well," Carron said in the video. "We just want to thank everyone who has donated and everyone who has kept us in their thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate it. And we'll be out of here soon. Thank you." Dr. Philip Stahel said the teens were also looking at another week to 10 days' worth of surgeries, including extensive skin grafting.

The orthopedic surgeon also said they plan to go through rehabilitation as a team.

That, coupled with their great health, will speed their recovery, he said.

Stahel said Carron "looks at it as a new challenge in his life," and Stahel was impressed with the teens' positive outlook.

The doctors expect both of them will be walking with the help of prosthetics in a few months.

As for the girl who crashed into the boys, Moriarity said the family had no comment on her situation. Prosecutors have not filed any charges.