UA Student severely injured in accident at Grand Canyon
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Photo courtesy of Hilkemeyer family.
Web Producer: Rikki Mitchell
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - A University of Arizona student was severely injured during a hike at the Grand Canyon on Aug. 3, according to a spokesperson with the family.
Austin Hilkemeyer, 19, was injured by falling rocks while hiking, and remains in critical condition with a brain injury at Flagstaff Medical Center ICU.
The family says doctors are optimistic about his recover, but it is too early to know the extent of his injuries, or what impairments he will have.
The family says the want to bring him home to Tucson for continued care.
Hilkemeyer was hiking from Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon when a thunderstorm struck.
While hiking back, Hilkemeyer was hit by falling rocks from a cliff next to the trail and was knocked unconscious.
He sustained injuries to his skull, clavicle, vertebrae and ribs, and has a punctured lung.
Hilkemeyer is an Environmental Science major at the U of A and works at McDonald's in Tucson.
Friends have set up a fund to help his family with medical costs.
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