Georgia man seriously injured in dirt bike crash, community launches fundraiser

PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia family is asking for support after a weekend dirt bike accident left a man seriously injured and hospitalized in a Columbus trauma center.

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Chris Upton was riding a dirt bike at a deer camp with family and friends on August 29 when the bike hit a rut and fishtailed, according to his wife, Michelle Upton.

Michelle said Chris was thrown over the handlebars, landing about 15 feet from the bike.

He was flown to a Columbus trauma center, where he remains in the intensive care unit.

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According to Michelle, Chris suffered two brain bleeds, a broken clavicle and a broken shoulder blade in the crash. Doctors drilled a hole and placed a drain to help relieve pressure and swelling in his brain.

Michelle said Chris is heavily sedated and intubated and is undergoing frequent CT scans so doctors can monitor the bleeding and swelling. The family expects to remain at the hospital for several weeks.

“We aren’t sure yet what damage has been caused,” Michelle wrote in a Facebook post updating friends and family.

She also asked people to keep Chris, her children who witnessed the crash and others who were at the scene in their thoughts and prayers.

Meanwhile, a fundraiser organized by Andrew has been launched to help the family manage the financial impact of Chris’ injuries.

The GoFundMe will help cover medical expenses and everyday living costs while Chris remains hospitalized and his family focuses on his recovery.

“Any donation, no matter the size, and every share of this fundraiser will mean so much,” Andrew wrote in the fundraiser.

Those who want to support Chris and his family can contribute to the fundraiser or share it with others.

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