A Michael Schumacher crash video taken from the helmet of the Formula One legend shows the accident that left him in critical condition was the result of a simple loss of balance.
Schumacher was skiing in the French Alps on December 29 when he crashed, leaving him critically injured. Investigators focused on video taken from a camera attached to his helmet to find out exactly how the expert skier could have crashed on part of the hill that was not considered extreme.
They found that speed was not a factor in the accident, and that Michael Schumacher was otherwise careful.
“His pace was completely normal for a skilled skier,” said Lieutenant Colonel Benoit Vinneman.
They were also able to rule out an equipment malfunction, and in fact said his protective gear likely saved his life. The impact of the fall was so hard that Schumacher’s helmet split in two.
Prosecutor Patrick Quincy noted that experts are still looking over the Michael Schumacher crash video in closer detail, but said the moment of injury is clear . Schumacher landed face-first into a rock about 30 feet outside the marked trail.
While Schumacher is still in a touchy recovery phase , rumors have circulated that he is near death or brain dead. His agent, Sabine Kehm, reiterated on Saturday that all official updates will come through the hospital.
“Michael’s condition remains critical but stable,” Kehm said. “We would like to clearly stress that any information regarding Michael’s health not coming from the doctors treating him or from his management must be treated as invalid and pure speculation.”
Fans have responded in droves, sending their wishes and support. On Schumacher’s 45th birthday, hundreds of Ferrari fans gathered for a silent vigil in his honor.
Michael Schumacher remains in critical condition in a medically induced coma.
