Components 1 legend Michael Schumacher suffered a near-fatal snowboarding accident within the French Alps 12 years in the past and he has stayed out of the general public eye ever since
As we speak marks 12 years since Michael Schumacher suffered a devastating snowboarding accident. While he survived, the F1 legend has remained away from the general public eye since, with particulars about his present state extraordinarily scarce.
The incident occurred within the French Alps, the place Schumacher ventured off-piste and struck his head on a rock, regardless of sporting a helmet. The German racing icon was airlifted to hospital and positioned right into a medically-induced coma for a number of months earlier than being transferred to the household residence at Lake Geneva, the place he now lives with round the clock medical care.
Stories counsel Schumacher’s life is extremely tough, with as many as 15 individuals offering him with fixed care. It is also understood he’s confined to mattress and unable to talk.
Concerning communication, Schumacher depends solely on his eyes to work together with household and pals. This data was disclosed by Elisabetta Gregoraci, the previous accomplice of ex-F1 boss Flavio Briatore – remarkably shocking given how little is understood about Schumacher’s situation.
“Michael does not communicate, he communicates along with his eyes. Solely three individuals can go to him and I do know who they’re. They moved to Spain and his spouse has arrange a hospital in that home,” she stated.
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Stories emerged that he made his first public look at his daughter’s marriage ceremony in 2024, with attendees required to give up their cell phones to safeguard Schumacher’s privateness, although this has subsequently been disputed. Jean Todt, the previous Ferrari chief, has supplied uncommon glimpses into Schumacher’s situation.
Talking to a French publication in 2023, he stated: “Michael is right here, so I do not miss him. [But he] is solely not the Michael he was once. He’s totally different and is splendidly guided by his spouse and kids who defend him.
“His life is totally different now and I’ve the privilege of sharing moments with him. That is all there may be to say. Sadly, destiny struck him ten years in the past. He’s now not the Michael we knew in Components One.”
Finnish neurosurgeon Dr Jussi Posti has supplied further perspective on what Schumacher’s present scenario may entail. He advised Finnish outlet Iltalehti: “Primarily based on the knowledge out there, I do not suppose he leads a really lively life.”
Entry to Schumacher stays strictly restricted to a choose group of family and friends. Todt, together with Ross Brawn and former driver Gerhard Berger, are among the many confirmed guests permitted to see him.
Schumacher’s supervisor Sabine Kehm has maintained a agency stance on privateness, stating: “Michael’s well being will not be a public challenge, and so we’ll proceed to make no remark in that regard.”
In a 2021 documentary, Schumacher’s spouse Corinna defined the household’s method. She stated: “We’re attempting to hold on as a household, the best way Michael preferred it and nonetheless does. Michael at all times protected us, and now we’re defending Michael.”
Regardless of the household’s appreciable efforts to keep up Schumacher’s privateness, it was revealed earlier this 12 months that former nightclub bouncer Yilmaz T. and his accomplices had orchestrated a surprising extortion scheme, demanding £12million to forestall them from publishing 900 images, 600 movies and medical paperwork on the darkish net.
The pictures reportedly confirmed Schumacher mendacity in a hospital mattress, sitting in a wheelchair and hooked up to medical gear. The person was sentenced to a few years in jail, while his accomplices obtained suspended sentences.
An unaccounted-for laborious drive continues to hassle the household, with barrister Thilo Damm warning: “We do not know the place the lacking laborious drive is… There may be the opportunity of one other risk by way of the again door.”
