UPDATE: Barkus in Seattle for Surgery on Broken Pelvis

By Dan Testa, 9-04-09

	Caption: Kalispell Sen. Greg Barkus at the 2009 Montana Legislature. - File photo by Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon

Kalispell state Sen. Greg Barkus is in Seattle to undergo surgery on a broken pelvis at Harborview Medical Center following an Aug. 27 boat crash near Bigfork that injured him and four others, including Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg. Dustin Frost, meanwhile, the Rehberg staff member who was also severely injured in the accident, remains at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in stable condition, but "is requiring aggressive monitoring and treatment," according to a surgeon treating him.

Barkus' son, Ken Barkus, released a statement Friday saying Barkus was treated for a broken pelvis and broken ribs, as well as lacerations to his head, arms and legs following the crash. He also received several transfusions due to blood loss. Barkus, 62, spent five days in the Intensive Care Unit and was released Wednesday, then flown to Seattle Thursday for pelvis surgery.

Frost's family released a statement on his condition Friday, saying the 27-year-old Sunburst native "continues to make progress each and every day."

Neurosurgeon Robert Hollis called Frost's condition "serious."

“Dustin Frost has suffered a severe closed head injury and is requiring aggressive monitoring and treatment," Hollis said in the statement. "He is showing slow improvements in his status but still requires intensive nursing care. Further recovery is anticipated.”

Below are the two statements released by Ken Barkus and the Frost family. For the latest on the investigation into the boat accident, click here.

Ken Barkus statement:

As a result of last week’s accident, Greg Barkus, along with four other passengers, was rushed to the hospital where he was treated for a broken pelvis and broken ribs, as well as lacerations to his head, arms and legs. In addition, he had lost a severe amount of blood and required several transfusions. After more than 5 days of treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, he was released early Wednesday afternoon. He was flown to Seattle early Thursday morning for surgery to repair his pelvis.

At this time the focus is on a full and timely recovery for all involved. Thoughts and prayers are with the families, who have remained in contact throughout this tragedy.

The courage of the campers and camp host is greatly appreciated as they saved the lives of all five passengers. In addition, KRMC should be highly commended for all they have done. Their hospitality and service has been exemplary.

Finally, when medically able, Greg intends to assist the officials with investigating this terrible accident. Thank you for all of your kind words, thoughts and prayers.

Frost family and physician statement:

“While we are encouraged that Dustin continues to make progress each and every day, we know that these are just the first small steps down a long road to a full recovery. We are eternally grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support for Dustin and our family that has come from friends, neighbors, relatives, colleagues and even kind strangers from all across Montana.

From the volunteers and nurses, to the doctors and administrators, the level of care and compassion from the staff of Kalispell Regional Medical Center has been an incredible comfort during these very trying times. Words cannot express our gratitude for these wonderful professionals.“

Robert Hollis, M.D., neurosurgeon, stated that Dustin Frost’s condition is serious.

“Dustin Frost has suffered a severe closed head injury and is requiring aggressive monitoring and treatment. He is showing slow improvements in his status but still requires intensive nursing care. Further recovery is anticipated” said Dr. Robert Hollis.

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