Nine-year-old Liam Gilbert, of Bremen, is in good condition at Maine Medical Center after a car-bicycle accident Aug. 12.
Liam is the son of John Gilbert and Melanee Osier-Gilbert. “He’s had a miraculous recovery,” Osier-Gilbert said.
Liam, a soon-to-be fourth grader at Great Salt Bay Community School, was hit by a Lincoln Town Car while riding his bicycle near his family’s Medomak Road home.
Liam was transported to Miles Memorial Hospital by ambulance and, shortly thereafter, to Maine Medical Center on board a LifeFlight helicopter.
At Maine Medical Center, he was rushed into surgery “for his legs,” Osier-Gilbert said, as doctors had concerns about blood vessels in one leg. A series of CAT scans followed to address concerns about possible head injuries.
Early Sunday morning, however, Liam, under sedation since shortly after the accident, woke up, responded to questions with head movements and gave a thumbs up.
“The doctors were very much amazed,” Osier-Gilbert said.
Liam, despite breaking both shins, chipping a tooth and sustaining various cuts and bruises, is recovering at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland. He can’t put any weight on his feet for a month, but for his mother, what a few days ago was “a nightmare” has turned into “overwhelming relief” for her, her family and the community.
“Everybody was very supportive,” Osier-Gilbert said. “We are very thankful for all the support, prayers and offers of help from family and friends.”
Norma Osier, Liam’s grandmother, thanked people from across the country for praying for Liam, who she described as a “very outgoing, very loving” boy. “Where there’s unity, God demands a blessing,” she said.
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Lisa Prior, 36, of Damariscotta, was driving the 2002 Lincoln Town Car south on Medomak Road when “a bike entered” the roadway from a “blind driveway” on the east side of the road.
The bicycle “entered the path of Ms. Prior’s vehicle and was struck, ejecting the rider onto the pavement,” according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s report.
Deputy Mark Bridgham was the investigating officer.
The accident is still under investigation, Sheriff Todd Brackett said, but there’s “no indication” that charges will be filed.
