Mayville State quarterback Matt Donovan remains in a medically-induced coma after suffering a terrifying mid-game head injury.
During the game against Simpson University on Saturday, September 19, Donovan was involved in a helmet-to-helmet hit that resulted in him being life flighted to nearby Fargo. Mayville State is located in Mayville, North Dakota, roughly 60 miles away.
“Once he arrived in Fargo, he underwent surgery on his brain that lasted just over two hours, where they removed portions of his skull in order to release the pressure from his brain,” the school said in a statement on Sunday, September 20. “After leaving surgery, he was released into the intensive care unit and is under some of the best medical care in the Midwest.”
The school continued, “This morning his eyes reacted to light in a normal manner, which caused the neurosurgeon to say last night is a win. He is still in a medically-induced coma, and is fighting like crazy. Your prayers are working and encouraged at this time.”
Donovan’s sister, Ashley Klar, launched a GoFundMe in honor of her brother.
“Matthew is now recovering in the ICU, and our family is staying close by as we take things one moment at a time during this incredibly difficult and uncertain season,” Ashley shared. “The funds raised will help support Matthew’s family with lodging and dining while we are away from home, along with medical expenses related to his care and recovery. My family and I are so grateful for the love and support already being shown to Matthew, and we are asking for continued help as we face the days ahead.”
She added, “Any donation, share, or message of encouragement would mean so much. We heavily appreciate the love and support that is continued to be shown to Matthew and our family through this difficult time.”
The GoFundMe has raised over $66,000 at the time of publication.
Mayville State head coach, Rocky Larson, gave an emotional interview after his team’s victory over Simpson, shortly after Donovan was taken to the hospital.
“You have one of the darkest moments I’ve had in coaching the last seven years, seeing Matt like that,” Larson told KVRR. “For our kids to bounce back and find a way to win that football game is why you do what you do. This is a lesson that’s not only on the football field.”
The coach added, “Stuff can get hard in your life. We talk all the time about growing boys into men. I watched a lot of boys turn into men today.”
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