Brain surgery, other operations for Burnsville hockey star badly hurt in crash

A Burnsville teenager and standout hockey player critically injured in an SUV crash Wednesday night in southern Dakota County made it through the crucial first 48 hours without "negative changes or worsening of his condition," according to his Caringbridge website.

Cole Borchardt, 18, had emergency surgery at Regions Hospital to relieve pressure on his brain, according to a journal entry posted Saturday afternoon on the site. He also had his spleen and one kidney removed, the posting made on behalf of the family added. He remained in critical condition Saturday evening, according to a Regions spokeswoman.

Borchardt, who graduated from Burnsville High School this past spring, was riding with three future Burnsville seniors in an SUV that went out of control and rolled as the group returned from swimming and cliff-diving in the Cannon River.

Ty G. Alyea, a 17-year-old baseball player, was killed. Driver Matthew G. Berger, 17, and passenger Tylan A. Procko, 17, were injured. The State Patrol said Berger and Procko were wearing their seat belts when the crash occurred about 9:40 p.m. in Coates as the boys headed north on Hwy. 52. Neither Alyea nor Borchardt, both sitting in the back, were belted in, the patrol said. There was no alcohol use detected among the driver or any of the passengers, the patrol added.

Berger and Procko were both listed in fair condition Saturday evening at Regions.

According Borchardt's Caringbridge site:

Borchardt had a third surgery Thursday to stop internal bleeding in his abdomen, then a fourth surgery to relieve swelling and pressure in his upper right arm.

Surgeons had left the abdominal surgery site open in case Borchardt needed other emergency procedures, but closed it Friday morning.

Staff members in the hospital's Surgical Intensive Care Unit have been monitoring Borchardt's intracranial pressure, as swelling could cause permanent brain damage. Doctors told the family it is too soon for a long-term prognosis on Borchardt's brain injury.

"Cole has a long road ahead of him. Please pray for healing, strength and patience," the site said. "We are grateful for the love and support of family and friends."

Services for Alyea have been scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hosanna Church, 9600 W. 163rd St., Lakeville, with visitation at the church starting one hour before.

Pam Louwagie • 612-673-7102