Biker down - need some family help in knoxville!

[Bobby G]

Here is this morning's update:

 

Al is on a respirator as we all know, mainly due to the extensive fractures of his ribs (both front and back fractures). He is trying to fight the respirator by breathing on his own. So they've lowered it from 90% to 60% as of this typing. They have him medically comatose mainly because if he were awake, he'd be in serious pain.

 

His injuries, I believe I reported them earlier are on the left side of his rib cage, ribs 1-8 are fractured, both front and back, on the right side, ribs 1-6 are fractured, both front and back. His orbital sockets are fractured, but maintained their location, so no surgery was needed for plates; his kidneys were bruised; and his C-1 vertebrae was fractured, but he was responsive to the foot tests done, so no paralysis.

 

I firmly believe that God has decided that Al's work on this Earth is not done. He's battered and bruised, but still with us and each day that goes by that he is still with us gives us more hope that he will survive all of this.

 

Having received photographs of his Ultra Classic, it seems the brunt of the damage is, as you sit on it, his right saddle bag was torn off, but the saddlebag guards are still there, other than that, not a scratch on the bike.

 

I picked his daughter, Stephanie, up from the airport yesterday where she flew in from California. His son Jake will be arriving today.

 

The donations that have been sent in thus far are gratefully appreciated by the family. They will be moving to an extended stay type hotel today since there are so many family members present. It is also located closer to the hospital. No flowers can be sent to Al as he is still in Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

 

Arrangements for Al's wife are being made as I type this. Al's daughters have asked her children if they would like the PGR present for the memorial service as she will be cremated. In lieu of flowers they have asked that donations be made to a specific animal shelter in her honor, but I have not been given the name of the animal shelter as of yet. So hang tight on that.

 

I will update you as soon as I hear anything more.

 

Deb "BigRedTrk" McKay

East Tennessee Assistant State Captain

Knoxville, TN

 

Thanks to everyone for their continued support and prayers for the War Dog. The biker community certainly does step up when one of us goes down!

 

Bobby

[Bobby G]

Here are the pics of Al's bike. Other then the right side hard bag getting torn off, the rest of the bike is completely intact. Hard to imagine.

[warriorhoneybee]

prayers from black mountain.

[OutlawRider]

Prayers sent from Oregon.

[mrich12000]

Celtic Blessing

May the roads rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rain fall soft upon your fields

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

Anon

[royalstarjac]

Still praying.

[Zfrebird4]

They are always appreciated. Knee Mail continues.

 

Jack Tharp

Ft Colins, CO

[Bobby G]

*UPDATE*

 

Sorry for the delay in these updates on Al "War Dog" Burns. Al was not able to continue his fight, and passed away on Sunday. The injuries were just too massive, and while fighting for his life, he also suffered a heart attack. Just too much to overcome.

 

Al's remains were escorted from Knoxville to the funeral home in Lawrenceville GA yesterday by dozens of PGR and ALR riders. He will be buried on Friday morning in the National Cemetery in Canton GA. Hundreds of bikers are expected to provide a fitting escort for Al and his family to his final resting place.

 

Thank you all for the prayers and the positive energy that flowed his way. Al is now at peace with his beloved wife, Tonya.

[Aussie Annie]

May they rest in Peace.

 

This PGR rider will be with you all in spirit when you ride.

[RandyR]

rest in peace. we'll all join you one day.

[Shot]

From a fellow PGR, my prayers are with your friend and family.