The Durango resident injured in a crash while cycling on Sunday has been moved out of the intensive care unit, a family friend told The Durango Herald on Wednesday.
Scott Kurlander, who has been in contact with Neil Hannum’s wife, Kris, said his friend’s critical condition is improving, but health officials are keeping him sedated until his injuries stabilize.
Hannum, 52, was traveling south on U.S. Highway 550 on Sunday when his bicycle collided with a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander. He was taken to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood.
“When they first talked to him, he had no idea where he was or what happened, what year it was,” Kurlander said. “Now, when he woke up this morning, he had a much better understanding what has happened to him. But the good news is: He’s out of ICU.”
Kurlander said the Hannum family wanted to be sure he thanked everyone for their support. In two days, a GoFundMe campaign has raised $17,400 to help with medical costs.
Hannum is widely known as The Chip Peddler, which is also the local tortilla chip business he owns. Kurlander said volunteers have been helping keep the business running.
The driver of the SUV was identified as 16-year-old Kylie Kouyoumjian, also of Durango. A spokesman for the Colorado State Patrol said Wednesday he did not have any information on whether citations would be issued in connection to the crash.
jromeo@durangoherald.com