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Michael Schumacher Photograph: (X)
On this day, 11 years ago, Formula 1's greatest driver, Michael Schumacher, suffered a horrifying accident that has led to many speculations about his health. Since the tragic day in 2013, very little information about the legend's recovery has emerged.
After he had retired from Formula 1 in 2012, he went on holiday with his family and friends in the upmarket resort of Meribel in France. The German racer was a frequent skier and had a lot of experience.
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On the morning of 29th December during his vacation, Schumacher went in to help another skier in the "off-piste" area near the slopes. This is when the fateful accident occurred.
Schumacher collided with one of the many exposed rocks in the section with unclear snow and went airborne. He went on to hit his head on a rock 10 meters away. This impact caused his helmet to break into two parts.
The former Ferrari racer was conscious at first but was not very responsive. The medics, at the sight of the accident, called in air support, and Schumaccher was taken to a hospital in Moutiers. He was later transferred to a specialist trauma unit in Grenoble.
Schumacher arrived at the hospital in a coma and needed immediate brain surgery. The doctors tried to reduce the swelling and ensure a continuous oxygen supply to his brain.
Schmacher's condition was extremely serious, confirms Professor Marc Penaud
The hospital’s deputy director, Professor Marc Penaud, confirmed that the veteran racer was extremely serious and that it was difficult to predict his future in a press conference.
Schumacher was placed in an artificial coma after suffering from severe brain bleeding and bruising. Jean-François Payen, the hospital's head of anaesthetics, stated that Schumacher would not have survived the incident if he had not been wearing a helmet.