Formula One legend Michael Schumacher in a Coma [VIDEO]
Formula One legend Michael Schumacher is in stable condition four days after a "high-speed" skiing accident in France, according to media reports.
Schumacher fell while skiing off-piste in the resort of Meribel in the French Alps on Sunday, Dec. 29 and hit the right side of his head on a rock. Resort managers initially said that the racer was conscious when rescuers first responded to the scene. He was immediately airlifted to a hospital, People reported.
University Hospital of Grenoble spokesman Jean-Marc Grenier said the 44-year-old had suffered a "serious head injury" and was admitted to the hospital in a "critical condition".
His anaesthetist Jean-Francois Payen said earlier this week that he was still "fighting for his life" and remained in a coma. He also added: "We are working hour by hour."
In a press conference earlier this week, he stated: "We judge him to be in a very serious situation. We cannot predict the future for Michael Schumacher."
Professor Stephan Chabardes, the neurosurgeon who operated on Schumacher stated: "We operated urgently to try to eliminate the haematoma. After the operation we saw that we had been able to eliminate these haematoma but also sadly the appearance of various bilateral lesions."
"So therefore he was taken to intensive care to try to help."
Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm released a statement on behalf of the family.
The statement said: "We would like to thank the medical team who we know do everything possible to help Michael."
"We would like to also thank the people from all around the world who have expressed their sympathy and sent their best wishes for Michael's recovery."
"We would like to ask the media to respect the privacy of us and our friends and thank them for their support."