Community rallies around motorcycle accident victim in critical condition; recovery ‘miracles happening’

ST. GEORGE – The local community has rallied to support Steve Zohner, the victim of a nearly fatal motorcycle accident on Sunday.

Steve Zohner, location and date unknown | Photo courtesy of Friends of Steve Zohner
Steve Zohner, location and date unknown | Photo courtesy of Friends of Steve Zohner

On Sunday afternoon, St. George resident Steve Zohner, 56, was riding his motorcycle along Old Highway 91 with his cousin Dave Zohner, his cousin’s wife Monica Zohner and friends Marty Lane and Kelly Lane. He lost control and skidded off the road on a curve near mile marker 12, slamming his body into a road sign.

The group called 911 and huddled around him until emergency personnel arrived, helping keep him awake and calm. A medical helicopter landed less than 30 minutes later to rush the fallen man to University Medical Center’s trauma ward in Las Vegas.

Steve Zohner sustained numerous life-threatening injuries in the accident, the most serious of which were a severe cervical spine fracture, collapsed lungs and blood clot in a main artery.

His fight for survival has continued since arriving at the hospital. He went into cardiac arrest and was revived twice on Sunday and has endured two major operations to repair his neck in the past three days, one of which had to be postponed due to dangerously low oxygen levels.

“The doctors are calling it a miracle that he is even alive,” Dave Zohner said. “Since (the crash), every moment is touch-and-go.”

Lisa Zohner (left) and Steve Zohner, location and date unknown | Photo courtesy of Friends of Steve Zohner
Lisa Zohner (left) and Steve Zohner, location and date unknown | Photo courtesy of Friends of Steve Zohner

Still, Steve Zohner, an Army veteran whom his cousin described as a “fighter,” has defied the odds. Recovering from surgery on Thursday, the next step in his treatment will be blood thinners to eradicate the clot.

“I went in to see him Tuesday and he woke up and looked at me,” Dave Zohner said. “That was very positive. It was an amazing moment.”

Once his most critical medical issues have been addressed, Steve Zohner faces 12 to 18 months of rehabilitation. But his wife, Lisa Zohner, said that doctors have told her that he is “definitely over the big hurdles.”

Members of his large family have been holding vigil at the hospital since he arrived. They have been supported by friends, co-workers and fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. Zion Harley-Davidson and the Utah Downed Biker Fund donated several hundred dollars to assist with travel, lodging and food expenses for those keeping watch over Steve Zohner. The Patriots Motorcycle Club has also come forward with an offer to help with medical expenses.

Steve Zohner and his newborn grandchild, location and date unknown | Photo courtesy of Friends of Steve Zohner
Steve Zohner and his newborn grandchild, location and date unknown | Photo courtesy of Friends of Steve Zohner

The Friends of Steve Zohner Facebook page was established to keep family and friends updated on his progress. It is also a place where members of the community can offer well wishes and support.

“The heartfelt concern and support has been overwhelming and amazing; hundreds of calls, texts and emails,” Dave Zohner said. “Miracles are happening every day and I truly believe it’s because of all the prayers from all the people who love and care about him.”

Steve Zohner lives in St. George, but is a Las Vegas native who works for the City of Henderson Department of Utility Services. He and Lisa Zohner have nine children between them and many grandchildren. His family and his motorcycle are his passions.

“Steve is such an incredible individual who has lived life to the fullest in so many ways,” family friend Eric Nelson said. “There have been good times, bad times but never boring times. It’s tough seeing him (like this) but I know this will become just another unbelievable story.”

Anyone interested in making a donation to the Zohner family is asked to contact Dave Zohner at 435-619-6383.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2013, all rights reserved.

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1 Comment

  • shanna April 21, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    I do not understand the dates here i saw this accident today, your dates do not jive.

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