Bob Temmerman

Bob was enjoying a weekend getaway mountain biking with friends in Downieville, CA when he suffered a serious accident on Sunday 10/9. During the second run that day Bob's bike lost traction and was bounced off the trail. He was unable to unclip to get footing due to a ravine off the trail side. He fell 150 feet down into the creek. After spotting him in the creek, one of two riders with him was able to scramble down the ravine to keep him talking, comforted and warm while the other rode nearly two hours further to go get help. By early evening rescuers from multiple agencies across the county began arriving. Due to the ravine and terrain (some of which was 80% grade) it was over four miles of hiking for the search and rescue teams to carry him out to the helicopter waiting to take him to Sutter Roseville Medical Center. Extrication took nearly 10 hours through the night, a grueling duration of time to be exposed to the cold while in immeasurable pain without medication. Bob's youngest sister, Becky, and I were able to join him in the ER. Rob, Alicia and Diane have been at his side every day as well. Bob's neck was broken at C6/C7, he has a distal radius fracture and a fractured manubrium. He is fully alert and able to move all extremities. He came through his cervical spinal fusion surgery on Monday, 10/10 extremely well and goes back to the OR on Wednesday, 10/12 for wrist surgery. The current plan following discharge from the Trauma Neuro ICU (when he's ready) is to transfer over to the inpatient acute rehab unit. His fitness, strength, endurance and bravery are getting him through this recovery with flying colors. He is in a great deal of pain but is mustering incredible courage. We hope to be home later in October for continued recovery and outpatient rehab.


As he manages the pain from the surgeries and the magnitude of the mechanism of injury, limiting visitors and activity in his ICU room is of importance. Cards will be special for him in addition to all of your comments, texts and emails. Once we have a better sense of timing for rehab transfer we'll know his unit and room for a mailing address. Standard protocol in ICUs does not allow flowers. He is not able to use his cell phone yet but please know when I read your messages to him his eyes light up and he smiles. Continued prayers and loving support mean the world right now. We hope this site can help share updates with friends in a timely way. Please feel free to share the link with others who are close to Bob.


Note, donations go to CaringBridge general, a wonderful website, not something set up specific to Bob. The family is also gathering information for the Downieville Volunteer Fire Department, for those who've asked to make a donation. More info coming.


Much love,
Bob, Laura, Rob, Alicia and Diane