Penguins Help To Raise Spirits Of Franklin Regional Victims
MONROEVILLE (KDKA) -- The long road to recover continues for the victims of the stabbing rampage earlier this week at Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville.
Two days after the attack, three more students were released from the hospital. However, five students are still hospitalized - three of them are in intensive care and one is on life support.
As the hospitalized victims and the ones who have already gone home continue to heal from their physical wounds, the emotional scars will likely take longer for everyone involved.
But there was a big morale boost Friday for the victims being treated at Forbes Hospital.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Robert Bortuzzo and winger Beau Bennett brought autographed sticks and a message of hope to five of the victims.
"It's good going in there. Me and Robert coming in, and seeing all the families, seeing all the support, it's important being a part of the community," said Bennett. "See how everyone is doing, and just to see the smiles on their faces."
"It was a bit of a rush, 'cause to be around that is tough," added Bortuzzo. "You put a big smile on their face, and hopefully help them out.
The visit came as two of the stabbing victims were released from Forbes Hospital, but they hung around long enough to spend some time with their heroes on the ice.
"The least we could do is come out here and try to take their minds off some of the things," Bortuzzo said. "It's probably been a hectic week for their families, and for some of the tough boys in there. There's some tough customers in there, and they're in great spirits."
Meantime, victim Nick Snyder tweeted that he was being released from Children's Hospital. He proudly posted a picture of his rugby team visiting him.
Earlier, Snyder - who calls himself @thepretzelguy on Twitter - wrote that he was stabbed in the chest on Wednesday, but still going fishing on Friday.
At UPMC Presbyterian, the news isn't so cheerful for the victim with the most serious wounds.
Jared Boger underwent another surgery Friday.
UPMC tells KDKA that he remains on a ventilator, but is able to communicate by nodding and writing. He remains in critical condition.
He is expected to undergo more surgery this week, but doctors remain optimistic he will recover.
RELATED LINKS:
Local Students Wear Franklin Regional Colors In Display Of Solidarity (4/11/14)
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