OLDS — Local resident Brent Hoschka, 66, who loves to race motorcycles, is in the ICU in a Calgary hospital after suffering traumatic injuries during a racing accident June 23 at the Olds Regional Exhibition track.
“It was just another race, but it was third lap, the second turn. He went into the wall and it was pretty significant,” his son Chad said during an interview with the Albertan.
“He dislocated his hip and he broke all the ribs on his left side in multiple places, punctured and collapsed (a) lung on his left side. (He also suffered a) broken sternum and broken ribs and punctured lung on the right side.
“He's been on life support since Sunday and we had surgery to repair the hip.
“Luckily, CT scans show that brain, spine and heart are OK, but the concern right now is really on his on his lungs and his ability to breathe on his own.”
In addition to Chad, Brent has two sisters, a brother, two step sons and several grandchildren.
Chad says members of the family, including himself, are in Calgary taking turns to be there with Brent.
“We're kind of in a holding pattern here day-to-day, waiting to see what the body does for natural recovery with his lungs,” Chad said.
“They’re assessing his ribs, because they're it's not a traditional breaking of the ribs. They're shattered,” he added.
“Everyone's working together to make sure that he can feel the love and keep fighting.”
The accident occurred at about mid afternoon on June 23.
He said Brent was rushed to Olds Hospital & Care Centre where he received an initial examination.
He was then rushed by ground ambulance to Foothills Hospital in Calgary.
“They were going to dispatch STARS to fly into Calgary but there was a storm -- that that hail, wind and rain on Sunday, so they had to transport him by (ground) ambulance,” Chad said.
Chad knows it will take a long time -- weeks, maybe months -- before his dad will recover, but he and his family are remaining positive.
Brent had been making a living as a self-employed truck driver. Chad said he also loves to ride horses.
A GoFundMe page has been set up, with the goal of covering various expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
“Unfortunately, as the sole provider and being self-employed, he failed to hold any disability insurance to cover this crisis,” the GoFundMe page says.
“With Brent unable to work and facing a long and uncertain recovery, the financial uncertainty is overwhelming. We urgently need your help to support Brent and his family during this challenging time.”
The GoFundMe page says some examples of costs the family could use help with include mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and other daily necessities as well as expenses associated with rehabilitation and recovery.
“Brent’s dedication to flat track racing is matched only by his love for his family and community,” the post says.
“He has always been there for others in times of need, and now it’s our turn to be there for him. Your generosity will provide Brent and his family with the support they need to navigate this difficult period and focus on his recovery.”
Chad said the family have already heard from many supportive people, including Brent’s buddies in the Alberta Flat Track Association (AFTA) and others.
“Prayers to our good friend and fellow racer Brent Hoschka #74. Wishing you a speedy recovery and return to your fireside,” Joel Hidalgo posted on the AFTA Facebook page.
“Brent has been an integral part of our track prep team ensuring drainage of our track. At the track we would often take in the moment and our surroundings. Brent would always say, "It doesn't get better than this."
Others posted similar thoughts on that page.
“It's been an amazing outpouring of support,” Chad said.
“I've got his phone with me too, so there's been friends and family from all over the place trying to check in and get an update.”
As of June 27, the page had raised $8,950 toward the $50,000 goal.
