Donte Stallworth Thanks Fans For Well Wishes After Hot Air Balloon Crash
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Donte' Stallworth and his girlfriend are thanking well wishers after both sustained 2nd degree burns in a hot air balloon crash over the weekend.
The New England wide receiver and girlfriend Soleil Guerrero released a statement through attorney Christopher Lyons Monday afternoon.
"NFL wide receiver Donte' Stallworth and his girlfriend Soleil Guerrero would like to thank everyone for their concern, thoughts and prayers. Both are in stable condition at UM/JM Burn Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center after suffering electrical burns during a hot-air balloon accident on Saturday, March 16. Stallworth and Guerrero suffered severe second degree burns, and have been receiving wound care and pain management. Both remain in the burn center at Jackson where monitoring of their conditions and wounds will continue. As they are dealing with the effects of their injuries, the couple would like to thank the doctors and nurses for the compassionate care they are receiving as they are focusing on making a full recovery."
Around 10 a.m. Saturday, Miami-Dade police officers were dispatched to a hot air balloon crash at 296th Street and SW 217th Avenue, according to Miami-Dade Police Detective Roy Rutland.
The hot air balloon's passenger basket crashed into power lines, burning at least one passenger.
The 32-year-old wide receiver and another passenger were injured and transported to the Trauma Center at Kendall Regional Hospital, the statement said. Stallworth and Guerrero were later transferred to JMH to continue treatment.
The third passenger was not injured.
Stallworth's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told CNN that "He was injured but will be fine. He will be able to resume his NFL career."
In December, Stallworth was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury after only playing in one game during his brief return and making a 63-yard reception for a touchdown.
Prior to that injury, the Miami Dolphins tried to recruit Stallworth last August, shortly after he was released from the Patriots' roster.
In 2009, Stallworth served 24 days in a Miami jail for DUI manslaughter.
