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NORTH OGDEN – A North Ogden man was listed in critical, but stable condition in a Grand Junction hospital following a mountain biking accident last week. The cycling community in Weber County has come together to show their support.
Several friends and family members sang their hearts out just outside of Nate Malan’s hospital bed on Saturday, wishing him a happy 49th birthday.
Malan set a goal this year to ride his bike 4,000 miles.
“He rides his bike to and from work every day, and does long bike rides. So he is always out riding his bike,” said friend Heather Simpson.
Simpson was along with Malan and several other cycling friends on Wednesday in Canyonlands National Park. Malan apparently misjudged a turn in the trail that was in the shadows, and plunged more than 35 feet to the ground below.
“He has several broken ribs. He broke his pelvis. He has a broken arm and has to have surgery on that,” Simpson added.
Malan also suffered a bruised lung and has a serious head injury.
Simpson, who is a nurse, provided first aid before Malan was flown to an ICU facility in Grand Junction, Colorado, about a hundred miles away.
Family and friends remained optimistic for the father of six, despite a long road to recovery.
“He is able to move and communicate with us so he is moving in the right direction – a day at a time for him,” Simpson said.
A crowdfunding effort has already raised more than $20,000 in just a couple of days, which is helping to ease the burden on his family. A similar fund was set up at America First Credit Union, account number 9101478.*
“We are so appreciative of everybody’s willingness to help and do anything they can to be there for Nate and his family,” said Simpson.
Plans were also in the works for a benefit bike ride to support Malan while he is in the hospital
Updates on Nate Malan’s condition can be found on the Nate Malan's Medical Updates Facebook page.
A GoFundMe page* has been set up to take donations.
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*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
