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Many faculty members at the University of Utah face an emotional time. A bicycle accident last Friday in City Creek Canyon left a longtime professor in critical condition.
Professor Brooke Hopkins collided with another bicyclist who was heading up the canyon. That person wasn't hurt, but Hopkins suffered bruising on his spine and broken vertebrae, according to his colleagues. That has led to paralysis.
"The longer it takes to recover movement and sensation, the worse the odds are. So, everyone is hoping," said Vince Pecora, chair of the University of Utah's English department.
Hoping for at least some sign of recovery, Pecora visited Hopkins yesterday. "He didn't say anything. I think he's been able to respond with short answers, one-word answers, to his family and perhaps to the doctors," Pecora said.
Meanwhile, for Hopkins' closest colleagues, it's very difficult. English professor Norman Council fought back emotions. "Brooke was, or is, a very important person in this department," he said.
Beloved by faculty and students, Hopkins is an award-winning British literature professor who spent 33 years teaching at the university before retiring last spring.
As passionate as he was in the classroom, he had a similar love for the outdoors. "He went skiing in Chile, he loved to go biking; just very active, kind, larger than life," Pecora said.
But now, after this life-changing accident, the question on so many minds is: Will the professor bounce back?
The other bicyclist who was hit told police Hopkins was traveling fast down the canyon. Investigators don't know how fast, and admit they may never know.
As for the Hopkins family, they declined an interview, but they may issue a statement tomorrow.
E-mail: gkennedy@ksl.com
