'Challenge' host able to walk with assistance after BMX accident, friend says.
By Kara Warner
TJ Lavin
Photo: Jason Campbell/MTV News
Despite the severity of his injury, MTV 'Challenge' host TJ Lavin has been making significant improvements on a daily basis. Lavin's close friend and business partner Chas Aday told MTV News that Lavin is conscious, talking and answering questions.
'He was able to walk down the hall with assistance this morning,' Aday revealed. 'He's having surgery on his wrist tomorrow, and he'll be going to a rehab facility after that to get the brain back to normal.
'The doctors have told us he'll make a full recovery,' Aday explained.
'It's a matter of how long that's going to take, we don't know.'
Aday went on to say that Lavin's progress has been encouraging.
'It's been wonderful to see how much better he's doing. From a medically induced coma to being unconscious, to being intubated with a breathing tube, to not responding at all, to seeing him now, it's awesome,' he said. 'You really can't find words to express how relieved you are to see that.'
A pro BMX biker, Lavin sustained a bleeding brain, a broken wrist and an orbital fracture after a stunt went awry during what was supposed to be the athlete's final ride.
After hearing initial reports of the accident, Lavin's fans have expressed words of encouragement and support. His 'Challenge' cast even issued an official shout-out during last week's episode.
'I know he's aware of the support he's had from the people coming to visit him,' Aday said. 'I don't think he's aware of the people following him and what's going on outside the hospital. We've tried to tell him that, but I don't know if he really comprehends that yet.
'I know he knows he's injured,' Aday added. 'I think he understands that he's in the hospital. I don't know if he understands the extent of what is going on. Getting him better, that's our goal.'
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