Nick Socha (toyfamily) update thread - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

DSI · 10-19-2004, 11:27 AM

i've read through the other thread's this morning, and want to make sure that all rumor's are put to rest, and that there's good information getting out.

Nick DID NOT have his arm amputated...

ok. nick has a broken humerous, approx 1-2in above the elbow. the doc's installed a plate in his arm.

he had an artery in his left arm damaged, a graft section of artery was removed from his right ankle area. he also had damage to other arteries in his arm, but were re-attached without grafting. there was skin grafted from his right leg to repair the left elbow area.

he had a large prtion of skin on his right arm removed, though no broken bones. skin was grafted from the right leg to his right arm.

he's got a broken femur, it was a closed break, there were rod's installed to fix his leg.

his pelvis is fractured. nothing has been done yet because it is not a major fracture, and he is immobile as it is.

he had a few lacerations on other part's of his body, and a fracture in his right knee cap area.

he has fluid in his lungs and is in an oxygen chamber to get his lungs to begin working properly on there own. he will most likely be hospitalized for several weeks.

the only thing that could appear to be long term is a few nerve fibers going to his hand were damaged. no one will know what controls those nerve's operate until he's awake and able to work with Physical Therapy.

now the good news is: his spine, neck head and internal organs appear to be good. he was wearing his camelback water pack, which was partly full and most likely was a big reason why his back was not hurt. his helmet only had one mark on it, so his head did not take a big hit.

His dad arrived in SLC yesterday morning, and will be with him until he goes home i am sure. myself, Mike Shaffer, Peter Mazzoni & Family were all there yesterday to see him in the ICU, he was very heavily medicated but did open his eyes to familiar voices so we think he knows we were there for him.

i will post up a room number for anyone wantign to send flower's card's etc when he's in a permanant room.

he's got his 1st place trophy, and his BFG Winner hat with him now, two of his favorite things! everyone who told me to let him know they were pullin for him, i did, and he did open his eyes when i let him know. he know's were here for him and that we'll do whatever it takes.

i'd like to thank the Browns, the medical crew, and the UROC staff the helped make sure nick was attended to safely and qucikly. the Factory Tubular Crew for shuffling people around, since we're all out of towners... And to Ranch for coming to the ER immediatly after it happened. Camo & the P4x4 crew for teh updates. And for everyone who's called me to check up and to offer things, my phone was blowing up on my drive home last night, if i don't get back to you right away, don't think i forgot, i took notes while driving!!!

and

to the spelling nazi's

Wilson · 10-19-2004, 11:40 AM

Thanks Dave, I'll be calling Jim this afternoon. Sounds like he's beat up, but damn lucky.

Lance · 10-19-2004, 11:50 AM

We're pullin' for ya, Nick!

rockteeth · 10-19-2004, 12:03 PM

Are you still in SLC?

Please let everyone one know that there are people here to help. I would be happy to help out anyway I can, Shuffle people around, whatever!!!!
I will PM you my cell #

I even have an extra laptop I'll take him when he gets up and around....

Thanks for the update!

crawlinxj · 10-19-2004, 12:03 PM

your in our prayers nick

pure-adrenaline · 10-19-2004, 12:16 PM

DSI you forgot one thing in your post...... He's a tough fuwker and a average man wouldn't of made it. He's the toughest guy I've met! Glad I could help w/ what little I knew how.

SuperRanger · 10-19-2004, 12:48 PM

Our whole team and family has been thinking about the situation and wishing the best for Nick. I am relieved to hear about the start of his recovery and that perminent damage will hopefully be less than we all presumed.

Thanks for the update and best of luck to Nick.

Brad

rockteeth · 10-19-2004, 02:45 PM

Glad to hear he is doing better. It was on the local news last night.
I am amazed that they could put that arm/shoulder back together!!
I too was there and horrified by what I saw.

Anyone (Lance/Camo/DSI) have a contact # for his family/friends that are in SLC now?
I would like to offer any help I can! Run them around, offer a bed, some company, rides from the airport, what ever!! Please email me marc.milner@gmail.com with any info.

There are a lot of people here that are willing/wanting to help anyway we can.

Hopefull when he is up around, he can do some rehab PBB surfing with that hand....I even have a spre laptop I can take up to the hospital.

Marc

fish · 10-19-2004, 02:57 PM

Thanks for the update DSI , Glad to see the BAD rumors put to rest .
Wish him a speedy recovery from TEAM #302

PLEASE KEEP US POSTED ON HIS RECOVERY

Thanks
Mike Hullfish

Amanda G · 10-19-2004, 03:19 PM

Thank god it wasn't worse then it is..Terrible accident and very sad it happened, but thank god it wasn't worse..

Hurry up and get out of the hospital Nick so you can give Dave more hell.

pure-adrenaline · 10-19-2004, 03:32 PM

Does anyone know if Nick has a paypal account? I think w/ all the rockcrawlers on this board we could help him out a little. He's goin to have a lot of expenses w/ this accident.

RADDONKEY · 10-19-2004, 03:54 PM

Our thought and prayers go out to ya Nick Get Well Soon. RD

DSI · 10-19-2004, 04:31 PM

we are setting up a paypal acct, and i've got several LARGE vendor's onboard for a raffle, but i've also got 4 day's of work to catch up on, give me another day or so to get thing's setup and i will have the info to post.

i spoke with Nick's dad earlier and he's got a rental car, and brought his lap top and is staying at the hospitality house provided by the hospital.

i will post a room number for anyone wanting to send card's flower's etc to him as soon as he is assigned a room. he's back and forth from ICU to the isobaric chamber right now. i will be getting update's from his Dad as often as he's in an area that he can call from. and will post what i know, as soon as i know.

ALL support is DEFINATLY apreciated, and as RJ said, Nick is one strong SOB to pull through that like he did... the shop's just got a weird feeling today without him here... no 50's no talking like arab's, and no fireworks...

rockteeth · 10-19-2004, 04:51 PM

Nick's little sis emailed me, I have just spoken with his Dad. Things are about the same as earlier. Still in ICU. His dad is doing ok, like DSI said, the hospital has him all set up. He has my # and will call if he needs anything from us locally. Most you local guys know how to get a hold of me, I will start a thread for local help if/as needed on RME as soon as it comes back up.

fnbuggy · 10-19-2004, 08:37 PM

We're all pulling for ya Nick. Thoughts and prayers are with ya, hang in there buddy. Marc, forward the info to me and if there's anything I can do please let me know. I'm only 30 miles south of SLC and will help in any way possible.

RME-RockMonkey · 10-19-2004, 09:34 PM

Good to hear he is going to be okay. We're in SLC too, and we're willing to help out if something is needed.

larryboy · 10-19-2004, 09:54 PM

thanks for the update,dave. i only spent the one weekend with nick/team rock equip before i hit the injured list myself,nick's a good guy and i really feel bad about this happening to him. get well soon,nick.

fcfred · 10-19-2004, 10:12 PM

Hang in there Nick

Supergper · 10-19-2004, 10:13 PM

Yep, tons of us locals are more than happy to help any way we can (even if it just means a home cooked meal for friends and family that are here, even though my wife can't cook

). Keep the updates coming, and good luck to Nick on a speedy recovery...

powdr7 · 10-19-2004, 11:34 PM

Glad to hear he is doing better than a lot of people thought he might be!!!
It was a horrible accident, and for him to be pulling through shows just how tuff he is!! We're all here for you Nick, keep strong!!
And Peter, glad to hear you're doing good too!!

raceanything · 10-20-2004, 12:12 AM

All our best thoughts Nick, Rage 4th

DOUG38S · 10-20-2004, 05:14 AM

Best recoveries from Bigelow Motorsports!!! Get well soon. We were glued to the screen all weekend watching from Maryland since we couldnt make the trip. Best wishes to you and your family Nick.

Doug and Kat Bigelow

Coreshot · 10-20-2004, 06:04 AM

Hang in there, Nick.

Any word on how Pete's doing? I know he took this hard.

Krusty · 10-20-2004, 07:04 AM

Dave , if there is anything that I and MINE can do--- just call---
you know who I am talking about-
just let us know !!

katrinawrites · 10-20-2004, 08:52 AM

I have known Peter/the Mazzoni's my entire life. I was there when this tragic accident happened. It is true what Lance said about Pete feeling bad if he stepped on your toe. This is incrediably hard for him, and a major turning point in his career as a professional rock crawler and human being. They both need your support -- in a sense Nick was the physical part of what happened, and Peter represents the mental part.

Pete is coming back into SLC today or tomorrow. Locals look out for him (I know you will). Everyone else, please keep being coachs, mentors and supporters. Thanks DSI for setting the medical information straight. This is a turning point for the sport as well. Safety regulations belong in the hands of the drivers and spotters, the ones that put themselves out there.

10-19-2004, 11:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
DSI Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: May 2000 Member # 920 Location: The Land of Debauchery (NV) Posts: 15,129	Nick Socha (toyfamily) update thread i've read through the other thread's this morning, and want to make sure that all rumor's are put to rest, and that there's good information getting out. Nick DID NOT have his arm amputated... ok. nick has a broken humerous, approx 1-2in above the elbow. the doc's installed a plate in his arm. he had an artery in his left arm damaged, a graft section of artery was removed from his right ankle area. he also had damage to other arteries in his arm, but were re-attached without grafting. there was skin grafted from his right leg to repair the left elbow area. he had a large prtion of skin on his right arm removed, though no broken bones. skin was grafted from the right leg to his right arm. he's got a broken femur, it was a closed break, there were rod's installed to fix his leg. his pelvis is fractured. nothing has been done yet because it is not a major fracture, and he is immobile as it is. he had a few lacerations on other part's of his body, and a fracture in his right knee cap area. he has fluid in his lungs and is in an oxygen chamber to get his lungs to begin working properly on there own. he will most likely be hospitalized for several weeks. the only thing that could appear to be long term is a few nerve fibers going to his hand were damaged. no one will know what controls those nerve's operate until he's awake and able to work with Physical Therapy. now the good news is: his spine, neck head and internal organs appear to be good. he was wearing his camelback water pack, which was partly full and most likely was a big reason why his back was not hurt. his helmet only had one mark on it, so his head did not take a big hit. His dad arrived in SLC yesterday morning, and will be with him until he goes home i am sure. myself, Mike Shaffer, Peter Mazzoni & Family were all there yesterday to see him in the ICU, he was very heavily medicated but did open his eyes to familiar voices so we think he knows we were there for him. i will post up a room number for anyone wantign to send flower's card's etc when he's in a permanant room. he's got his 1st place trophy, and his BFG Winner hat with him now, two of his favorite things! everyone who told me to let him know they were pullin for him, i did, and he did open his eyes when i let him know. he know's were here for him and that we'll do whatever it takes. i'd like to thank the Browns, the medical crew, and the UROC staff the helped make sure nick was attended to safely and qucikly. the Factory Tubular Crew for shuffling people around, since we're all out of towners... And to Ranch for coming to the ER immediatly after it happened. Camo & the P4x4 crew for teh updates. And for everyone who's called me to check up and to offer things, my phone was blowing up on my drive home last night, if i don't get back to you right away, don't think i forgot, i took notes while driving!!! and to the spelling nazi's __________________ Thanks to the companies that make it happen: Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Trail-Gear, Trent Fab, PRP Seats, Raceline Wheels, PSC, MJ Motorsports

10-19-2004, 11:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
Wilson Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Member # 7233 Location: Paradise, CA Posts: 17,077	Thanks Dave, I'll be calling Jim this afternoon. Sounds like he's beat up, but damn lucky. __________________ [COLOR=Red][SIZE=4]ECV 7-11[/SIZE][/COLOR] Serving up a Tsunami of Swagger

10-19-2004, 12:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
rockteeth Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Member # 17784 Location: City of Salt Posts: 360	Are you still in SLC? Please let everyone one know that there are people here to help. I would be happy to help out anyway I can, Shuffle people around, whatever!!!! I will PM you my cell # I even have an extra laptop I'll take him when he gets up and around.... Thanks for the update! __________________ Milspecphoto.com

10-19-2004, 12:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
crawlinxj Granite Guru Join Date: Apr 2002 Member # 11423 Location: Escalon Ca. Posts: 920	your in our prayers nick __________________ MJ Motorsports Engine Building and Portwork Jeff Grass 209-409-2779

10-19-2004, 12:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
pure-adrenaline Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Member # 7482 Location: Farmington,NM Posts: 1,720	DSI you forgot one thing in your post...... He's a tough fuwker and a average man wouldn't of made it. He's the toughest guy I've met! Glad I could help w/ what little I knew how. __________________ "It's all about the skinny pedal"

10-19-2004, 11:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
Lance Administrator Join Date: Jun 1996 Member # 1 Location: El Dorado Hills, CA Posts: 18,734 Blog Entries: 1	We're pullin' for ya, Nick!

10-19-2004, 12:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
SuperRanger Rock God Join Date: Nov 2002 Member # 15084 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 2,390	Our whole team and family has been thinking about the situation and wishing the best for Nick. I am relieved to hear about the start of his recovery and that perminent damage will hopefully be less than we all presumed. Thanks for the update and best of luck to Nick. Brad

10-19-2004, 02:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
rockteeth Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Member # 17784 Location: City of Salt Posts: 360	Glad to hear he is doing better. It was on the local news last night. I am amazed that they could put that arm/shoulder back together!! I too was there and horrified by what I saw. Anyone (Lance/Camo/DSI) have a contact # for his family/friends that are in SLC now? I would like to offer any help I can! Run them around, offer a bed, some company, rides from the airport, what ever!! Please email me marc.milner@gmail.com with any info. There are a lot of people here that are willing/wanting to help anyway we can. Hopefull when he is up around, he can do some rehab PBB surfing with that hand....I even have a spre laptop I can take up to the hospital. Marc __________________ Milspecphoto.com Last edited by rockteeth; 10-19-2004 at 02:47 PM.

10-19-2004, 02:57 PM	#9 (permalink)
fish Wheeler Join Date: Aug 2002 Member # 13463 Location: Fairfield Ohio Posts: 483	Thanks for the update DSI , Glad to see the BAD rumors put to rest . Wish him a speedy recovery from TEAM #302 PLEASE KEEP US POSTED ON HIS RECOVERY Thanks Mike Hullfish

10-19-2004, 03:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
Amanda G Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Member # 5663 Location: NORCAL Posts: 7,165	Thank god it wasn't worse then it is..Terrible accident and very sad it happened, but thank god it wasn't worse.. Hurry up and get out of the hospital Nick so you can give Dave more hell. __________________ TWSS

10-19-2004, 03:32 PM	#11 (permalink)
pure-adrenaline Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Member # 7482 Location: Farmington,NM Posts: 1,720	Does anyone know if Nick has a paypal account? I think w/ all the rockcrawlers on this board we could help him out a little. He's goin to have a lot of expenses w/ this accident. __________________ "It's all about the skinny pedal"

10-19-2004, 03:54 PM	#12 (permalink)
RADDONKEY Rock God Join Date: Oct 2003 Member # 23810 Location: Day-Town NV Posts: 1,366	Our thought and prayers go out to ya Nick Get Well Soon. RD

10-19-2004, 04:31 PM	#13 (permalink)
DSI Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: May 2000 Member # 920 Location: The Land of Debauchery (NV) Posts: 15,129	we are setting up a paypal acct, and i've got several LARGE vendor's onboard for a raffle, but i've also got 4 day's of work to catch up on, give me another day or so to get thing's setup and i will have the info to post. i spoke with Nick's dad earlier and he's got a rental car, and brought his lap top and is staying at the hospitality house provided by the hospital. i will post a room number for anyone wanting to send card's flower's etc to him as soon as he is assigned a room. he's back and forth from ICU to the isobaric chamber right now. i will be getting update's from his Dad as often as he's in an area that he can call from. and will post what i know, as soon as i know. ALL support is DEFINATLY apreciated, and as RJ said, Nick is one strong SOB to pull through that like he did... the shop's just got a weird feeling today without him here... no 50's no talking like arab's, and no fireworks... __________________ Thanks to the companies that make it happen: Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Trail-Gear, Trent Fab, PRP Seats, Raceline Wheels, PSC, MJ Motorsports

10-19-2004, 04:51 PM	#14 (permalink)
rockteeth Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Member # 17784 Location: City of Salt Posts: 360	Nick's little sis emailed me, I have just spoken with his Dad. Things are about the same as earlier. Still in ICU. His dad is doing ok, like DSI said, the hospital has him all set up. He has my # and will call if he needs anything from us locally. Most you local guys know how to get a hold of me, I will start a thread for local help if/as needed on RME as soon as it comes back up. __________________ Milspecphoto.com

10-19-2004, 08:37 PM	#15 (permalink)
fnbuggy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Member # 23579 Location: Utah Posts: 478	We're all pulling for ya Nick. Thoughts and prayers are with ya, hang in there buddy. Marc, forward the info to me and if there's anything I can do please let me know. I'm only 30 miles south of SLC and will help in any way possible. __________________ Wheeling the original Super Ranger

10-19-2004, 10:12 PM	#18 (permalink)
fcfred 4xdork Join Date: Feb 2001 Member # 3263 Location: not portland Posts: 3,162	Hang in there Nick __________________ Team Tank old junk, new junk, unfinished junk Live Large-RIP Jason Payne ARMY TRUCK STOLEN!

10-19-2004, 09:34 PM	#16 (permalink)
RME-RockMonkey Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Member # 34257 Posts: 98	Good to hear he is going to be okay. We're in SLC too, and we're willing to help out if something is needed.

10-19-2004, 09:54 PM	#17 (permalink)
larryboy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Member # 9222 Location: uber alles,ca Posts: 2,886	thanks for the update,dave. i only spent the one weekend with nick/team rock equip before i hit the injured list myself,nick's a good guy and i really feel bad about this happening to him. get well soon,nick.

10-19-2004, 10:13 PM	#19 (permalink)
Supergper Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Member # 2159 Location: SLC, Utah Posts: 2,898	Yep, tons of us locals are more than happy to help any way we can (even if it just means a home cooked meal for friends and family that are here, even though my wife can't cook). Keep the updates coming, and good luck to Nick on a speedy recovery... __________________ -Caleb Call

10-19-2004, 11:34 PM	#20 (permalink)
powdr7 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Member # 26188 Location: Clayton NC Posts: 1,304	Glad to hear he is doing better than a lot of people thought he might be!!! It was a horrible accident, and for him to be pulling through shows just how tuff he is!! We're all here for you Nick, keep strong!! And Peter, glad to hear you're doing good too!!

10-20-2004, 12:12 AM	#21 (permalink)
raceanything Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Member # 13471 Location: danville,CA Posts: 1,088	All our best thoughts Nick, Rage 4th __________________ Jeff Mello Rage 4th "safety is our #2 concern"

10-20-2004, 05:14 AM	#22 (permalink)
DOUG38S BIGELOW MOTORSPORTS Join Date: Feb 2003 Member # 17107 Location: Sharpsburg, MD Posts: 5,340 Blog Entries: 1	Best recoveries from Bigelow Motorsports!!! Get well soon. We were glued to the screen all weekend watching from Maryland since we couldnt make the trip. Best wishes to you and your family Nick. Doug and Kat Bigelow __________________ *TEAM YUKON GEAR and AXLE #4413* Bulldog Winch, Raceline, Maxxis, FOA, Tom Woods, Everlast Welders, Ruffstuff Specialities, Cool Shirt, Stage 8, Baja Designs, PSC Steering, AJIK Overland Exchange, Reid Racing, Artec, Powertank, DynoMax, Hinchman Racewear, DJ Safety

10-20-2004, 06:04 AM	#23 (permalink)
Coreshot Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Member # 16625 Location: West Jordan, UT Posts: 43	Hang in there, Nick. Any word on how Pete's doing? I know he took this hard.

10-20-2004, 07:04 AM	#24 (permalink)
Krusty Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Member # 906 Location: Tin Benderland-- Ridgecrest, Ca. Posts: 4,571	Dave , if there is anything that I and MINE can do--- just call--- you know who I am talking about- just let us know !! __________________ Krusty, aka. Krustoy Official Tin Bender. older than dirt/before rocks were invented! Cancer survivor since 02-06 Grand Marshall -KOH 2012 "Dad' to some of the greatest kids EVER I was around when Pearl Harbor was bombed !

10-20-2004, 08:52 AM	#25 (permalink)
katrinawrites Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Member # 36996 Posts: 42	Peter going back to SLC I have known Peter/the Mazzoni's my entire life. I was there when this tragic accident happened. It is true what Lance said about Pete feeling bad if he stepped on your toe. This is incrediably hard for him, and a major turning point in his career as a professional rock crawler and human being. They both need your support -- in a sense Nick was the physical part of what happened, and Peter represents the mental part. Pete is coming back into SLC today or tomorrow. Locals look out for him (I know you will). Everyone else, please keep being coachs, mentors and supporters. Thanks DSI for setting the medical information straight. This is a turning point for the sport as well. Safety regulations belong in the hands of the drivers and spotters, the ones that put themselves out there.

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