Local racer Kevin Underhill will be removed from life support and allowed to die after traumatic head injury. Image courtesty of Training From A Barkalounger.
It is with sadness that we have to report that Kevin Underhill, the cyclist injured in a wreck during the Cat 4/5 race at The Driveway on Thursday night, will be removed from life support and allowed to die in the next 24 hours.
From Andrew Willis, the race organizer:
This news comes with heavy heart…
Unfortunately Kevin Underhill is not going to make it. The injuries to his head were severe. The damage beyond hope. Kevin is currently on life support. He is unconscious and not suffering. His family has made a decision to remove him from life support and donate his organs in 24 hours, which will be sometime tomorrow afternoon.
His family has appreciated the support from both the climbing and cycling communities, of which Kevin has been a big part of. If you’d like to say goodbye to Kevin or offer his family support, he is in the ICU at Brackenridge hospital. Visiting hours begin at 10AM [Sunday]. The family wants you to know that Kevin is pretty banged up, and should you choose to see him, be prepared. If you want to go up there and offer support and not see him, they will not take offense.
Please take a moment and think about Kevin, his family, and your own. Love your life and love others.
From the comments on the TXBRA forum, it appears this was Kevin’s first race at The Driveway after several weeks of watching, practicing and preparing with his teammates at the Lake Travis Cycling Club. There are no other details on the accident itself. Before taking up cycling, Kevin had been an avid rock climber known for safety. Our prayers are with his family on this difficult decision and loss.
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on Aug 17th, 2009 at 2:02 am
I have only just been made aware of the tragic circumstances concerning Kevin, I found this out through Lance Armstrong’s twitter page. I would like to offer my condolences to all his family and friends. What an awful decision and the strength it must have taken to turn of the life support. God bless you all.
on Aug 17th, 2009 at 4:42 am
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May you find peace remembering the wonderful times you have shared with Kevin.
on Aug 20th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
How sad to hear about Kevin Underhill’s accident. He was so active in many outdoor activities & physically fit, I am sure he gave it much thought before participating. As someone who has watched cycling for 50 years I know the
joy it can bring to participants but every now & then there is a serious accident.
He will be missed by the many people whose life he has touched.
My heartfelt condolence to his mom, Edel, on the loss of her only son, may she
find comfort in the many people who share in her sorrow. May Kevin rest in peace.
on Aug 20th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
my buddy that i sometimes ride with (and races at the crits) told me about this today. total bummer.
ones goes out to be with some friends, enjoy a fun race with the great austin cycling community and wham: this happens.
my thoughts go out to his family and friends.
on Aug 20th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Sending love and prayers to Kevins family. We in the Seattle Lutheran HS graduating class of ‘86 will miss living though Kevin’s wonderful adventures. He amazed us in how he lived his life and we all felt blessed to have him home (Seattle) every once in a while to hear of his tales of travel. He will be missed by many. May God bless you in heaven, Kevin.
on Aug 22nd, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Even though my husband and I haven’t seen Kevin for a number of years, we still would hear about all of his adventures through his mother, Edel.
Kevin and Edel biked with us and the Boeing Bike Club in the Seattle area and also with Northwest Bike Touring Society.
We were saddend to hear about his tragic accident. As cyclist we know how fast an accident can occur. Most of us have experienced them, and but for the grace of God could have had the same results.
Edel, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pete and Hannelore
on Aug 23rd, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Kevin was somebody who was loved by all. I
on Aug 29th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Kevin just won the race of his life… We will miss you Kevin and we are eternally greatful for how you touched so many of us.
on Oct 12th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Liebe Edel,
ich habe Gelegenheit, eine e-mail zu schreiben.
Meine Gedanken sind heute ganz besonders bei dir.
Talk to you soon.
Love,
Irene