Isaac Kolstad Still Critical After Surgeries
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The former Mankato football player who was allegedly assaulted by two men last weekend successfully underwent another surgery Friday morning, according to his CaringBridge page.
Isaac Kolstad, who used to play football for Minnesota State University, Mankato, is still in critical condition. He will not undergo any other procedures or surgeries for the next couple days, according to his brother, Blaine Kolstad.
Former Gopher football star Phillip Nelson and 21-year-old Trevor Stenner Shelley are accused of beating Kolstad, who suffered severe head trauma during a fight outside of a downtown Mankato bar.
Fastenal will hold a silent auction and benefit for Kolstad, a former employee, on Thursday, May 22 at 7 p.m.
On Saturday evening the family released the following statement.
"Due to the injuries Isaac sustained early last Sunday morning, his brain had severe bruising and swelling, increasing the pressure within his skull to life-threatening levels. In order to relieve the swelling, he required emergency surgery on his brain early Tuesday morning. Isaac had a significant amount of his brain tissue that was no longer viable removed during that procedure.
Even though the surgery was successful, the swelling in Isaac's brain remains significant; leaving him at high risk for further injury and potentially additional surgical procedures. Isaac's lungs also sustained severe injury, resulting in the inability to breathe on his own. He also sustained a lack of oxygen to his brain.
Isaac continues to be in a medically induced coma, utilizing life support to keep him breathing. Yesterday, Friday, May 16, Isaac underwent his second major surgery, a Tracheotomy operation. This helps manage his breathing while on life support.
Isaac's care team of neurosurgeons, physicians, nurses, therapists and others are doing everything they possibly can each day to keep Isaac alive and fighting. We are blessed to have Mayo Clinic care so close to home for Isaac. There is no doubt in our minds he is receiving the very best care available.
We want to thank everyone for their support and ongoing efforts to help our family. We cannot begin to express our gratitude. As Mankato natives, we are so proud of our community and are incredibly inspired by the things going on around us. Your continued prayers and encouragement are needed and greatly appreciated."
Click here for more information on donating to a fund for Isaac and Molly Kolstad.