Colorado University Athletics

FORMER CU QUARTERBACK JOHN HESSLER IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER AUTO ACCIDENT

FORMER CU QUARTERBACK JOHN HESSLER IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER AUTO ACCIDENT
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John Hessler Updates
Former University of Colorado football player and Colorado Rockies farm system pitcher John Hessler was in a serious automobile accident Sunday afternoon on Interstate 76 just east of Interstate 25 in north Denver.

The car John was driving in was clipped from behind; his car then crossed over the highway and was hit by another vehicle. The driver of that car was also hospitalized; the two people in the car that first hit Hessler abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.

The Colorado State Patrol is asking for anyone who either witnessed the crash, which occurred around 4:30 p.m., or has any information to call 303-239-4501.
Tuesday Morning Update (Oct. 21, 2003)

The latest on former CU quarterback John Hessler, who was injured in a hit-and-run automobile accident Sunday afternoon (Oct. 19) in Denver, as of 11:00 a.m. this morning:

Friends of the family reported that John had a good, restful night. He remains in critical, but stable condition, and is still in a coma.

Since John has touched so many people, friends of the family have established a telephone line for friends and supporters to call for updates: 303-904-4525.

Cards, well-wishes and donations (to Vikan Middle School or Regis High School) can be sent in care of John's name to Vikan Middle School, 879 Jessup Street, Brighton, CO 80601.
John is in a Denver hospital in critical condition, in a coma, with a collapsed lung and a major head injury.  He cannot accept visitors. (NOTE: the family has asked that the name of the hospital not be released and the family does not want to do any interviews at this time.  Per federal HIPAA laws, hospitals cannot confirm if a patient is registered in their facility.)

The Hessler family would like everyone to know they appreciate thoughts and prayers for John's recovery.

Hessler is currently working as an assistant coach at Regis High School in Denver.

"This is really hard for our football team.  John is well-liked and respected by our kids," said Jim Ryan, who first got to know John when he did color commentary for CU football broadcasts on KOA in the mid-1990s, when John played at Colorado. He then hired him at Regis when he took over as head coach this past summer.

Ryan is foregoing his radio show on KKFN today to be with Hessler and the family at the hospital.

Hessler was a member of the 1993 recruiting class and replaced an injured Koy Detmer in the third game of the '95 season, rallying CU to a 29-21 win over No. 3 Texas A&M.  He started the remainder of that season and the entire 1997 campaign. He holds several passing records for the Buffs, including the first player to throw for five touchdown passes in a game, doing so in a 38-17 win at Oklahoma in 1995.

With the Rockies, he was with the Rockies' Rookie league affiliate for the 1998 season.  As a member of Tucson in 1998, he was 4-0 with a 4.50 ERA in 16 games, all in relief, with one save in helping the team to the Arizona League title.  He retired from baseball prior to the 1999 spring training.