Seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher is in a critical condition in hospital following a skiing accident in the French Alps.
The 44-year-old, who retired from F1 racing at the end of the 2012 season, is understood to have hit his head after falling during a family skiing trip at the Meribel resort on Sunday morning. He was quickly taken by helicopter to hospital in Moutiers before being moved to Grenoble.
A statement issued by the hospital in which Schumacher is being treated said he had suffered "a severe head injury with coma on arrival, which required neurosurgical intervention immediately."
It had earlier been confirmed that Schumacher was wearing a helmet when he suffered the accident.
Wow terrible news
I can only guess he was skiing trees. I know several people die in ski crashes every year. Always because of head injuries and in most cases due to contact with trees.
Really hope he pulls through.
Wow terrible news I can only guess he was skiing trees. I know several people die in ski crashes every year. Always because of head injuries and in most cases due to contact with trees. Really hope he pulls through.
Last night I read he fell and his head hit a rock - he was wearing a helmet too - must have been a big knock - he would probably have been dead on impact without it