Jan. 25, 2007
Cullowhee, N.C -
As reported on CatamountSports.com at 11:00 pm Wednesday night, Western Carolina men's basketball senior Kyle Greathouse was released from Mission Hospital into the care of his parents at approximately 8:45 pm after being admitted in critical condition.
Greathouse, the lone senior on the Catamount squad, was involved in a serious car accident on Old Highway 107 early Wednesday morning. He was air lifted from C.J. Harris Hospital in Sylva to Mission where he was admitted in the early hours on Wednesday.
Around 7:00 pm Wednesday evening, WCU Athletics Director Chip Smith phoned in on "In the Litterbox" on WWCU-FM after speaking with WCU head coach Larry Hunter, who had been at the hospital most of the day with Kyle, to report that Greathouse was improving. Smith also commented that in addition to Greathouse's parents arriving late on Wednesday afternoon, his Catamount teammates and coaches also made a trip to visit him in the hospital. It was soon after the call that Greathouse was reportedly discharged.
The following is an updated statement from WCU Athletics Director, Chip Smith:
"Wednesday was a very stressful and tense day for everyone who knows Kyle. When we first received word of the accident, the severity of his injuries was uncertain and his condition was listed as critical. Around mid-day, he regained consciousness and began to respond to Coach Hunter, who was in the room as Kyle's parents were on their way to be with him. As the day progressed, Kyle began to make improvement in his awareness of the surroundings and in responding to questions. That he was able to be released last night should be considered a miracle."
"We would like to thank everyone who supported Kyle, his family and the basketball team during this time. The number of calls and messages was extraordinary, and came from those in the Catamount family, members of in the basketball community and people throughout the region. We would especially like to thank the law enforcement and emergency medical personnel and the staff at Mission Hospitals for their actions and the tremendous care they provided during the entire ordeal."
Thursday morning update from the Asheville Citizen-Times:
WCU's Greathouse released from hospital
Story published late Wednesday night by the Asheville Citizen-Times:
Car wreck injures WCU player
