The family for former Mankato State football player Isaac Kolstad released a statement Saturday, revealing a bleak outlook for the 24-year-old who was attacked outside a bar in downtown Mankato, Minn., early last Sunday morning.
According to KARE11.com, the statement indicates that the man his family knew likely is gone for good after having extensive brain tissue removed that was permanently affected by the attack:
"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.
Ex-Mankato State football player Isaac Kolstad in critical condition after assault
"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."
Kolstad sustained permanent brain injury during an alleged assault in which 21-year-old Trevor Shelly is accused of sucker-punching Kolstad, the punch rendering him unconscious as he crumpled to the ground. Then, 20-year-old Philip Nelson, a former University of Minnesota quarterback, has been alleged to have kicked Kolstad in the head while Kolstad lay unconscious on the ground.
Both Shelly and Nelson, who had transferred to Rutgers but has been dismissed from the team because of the altercation, face first- and third-degree assault charges, which carry a maximum of 25 years in prison, according to NJ.com.
"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," the statement continued. "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."
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