Kyane Schmidt, freshman defensive lineman at San Jose State, is in a coma after sustaining injuries in a single-car rollover accident on Highway 101 South in Goleta, California on May 20, according to the SJSU football team’s Twitter.
“I was devastated when I received the text,” senior wide receiver Tre Walker said over the phone. “Our team is close. We love each other and if one of us gets hurt, it’s devastating.”
Schmidt is at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital recovering from additional injuries including: minor bleeding near his liver and kidneys, two fractured ribs as of May 23 and pneumonia, according to a post from the Schmidt family on Kyane’s CaringBridge page.
According to a post on the page, his doctors said pneumonia is normal with brain injuries. However, it’s expected that Schmidt will remain in a coma for multiple weeks.
Schmidt landed on a dirt median rather than asphalt, which may have prevented more serious injuries, stated Schmidt’s parents, Audrey Hutton and Jake Schmidt, through a journal entry on the webpage.
Schmidt’s parents stated on his webpage that they will continue to post updates as he heals. They also asked for support by donating to their website or leaving a comment.
The SJSU football team has also asked for support from the community over social media and encouraged people to comment with well-wishes.
“The best way to contact him is through the football program and wish for the best,” Walker said. “We just want everyone to be concerned and pray for him.”
Schmidt came to the team from San Jose’s Valley Christian High School and didn’t play the Fall 2019 season, according to an email from Lawrence Fan, the associate director for football communications and special projects.
He was then moved from offensive line to a defensive line for the Spring 2020 practice season.
“Kyane Schmidt is a determined and spirited young man who is respected and liked by his teammates,” Fan stated on behalf of the SJSU athletics department. “San Jose State University Athletics, the Spartan football team and many others continue sending prayers and best wishes to Kyane and his family for his recovery and return to San Jose State.”
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available to the Spartan Daily.
