Fans rally to show support for Schumacher
Family gathers around hospital bed to mark 45th birthday of celebrated Formula One driver
GRENOBLE, France — Michael Schumacher’s friends and family took turns by his hospital bed Friday, as fans rallied outside the hospital to support the critically injured Formula One great on his 45th birthday.
Schumacher has been in a medically induced coma since Sunday, when he fell while skiing and struck his head on a rock.
His manager, Sabine Kehm, said Friday that his condition remains stable but critical.
The German driver and his family typically celebrate Christmas, New Year’s and his birthday at their ski house in the French resort of Meribel, where the accident happened.
Instead, they have been keeping watch over the retired champion in a hospital in Grenoble.
“They take turns to watch him: Michael’s wife, children, his brother,” said former Formula One driver, Philippe Streiff, who is one of several members of the F1 community to visit the hospital.
“They are very traumatized. It’s very upsetting to see that for the family.”
About 100 fans also converged on the hospital Friday, arriving by bus from Italy or by car from northern France and other places, saying they felt compelled to honour a man who had given them so many reasons to celebrate in the past.
At nightfall, some fans used a projector to screen the words “STAY STRONG!” and “KEEP FIGHTING!” on the hospital’s wall.
“With all the joy he has given us, it was important for us to return the favour and be here for Michael,” said Gulio Carissomi, who drove four hours from Italy to reach Grenoble.
The seven- time F1 champion has undergone two brain operations since the accident. Doctors are keeping him sedated and his body at an artificially low temperature to help with the healing.
The physicians have refused to give a prognosis for Schumacher, saying they are focused on his immediate care.