2008 Woodie Awards
Professor recovering from hit-and-run
Channing Barker
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Thrown 106 feet from his Honda motorcycle a little more than three weeks ago, UA Professor Dale Warren said he has kept his spirits high. While riding his new Honda motorcycle on the evening of Oct. 1, Warren was rear-ended by a Toyota 4-Runner traveling north on Highway 265 and thrown from his bike.
Warren, a band director for 27 years at UA, had just bought the Honda motorcycle in Joplin, Mo., for his 14-year-old son to ride around Fayetteville. He said he was testing out the bike when he fell into this unexpected accident.
"I didn't know where I was, but as I kept tumbling and falling I just kept saying 'Just help me, God,'" Warren said.
With a list of injuries many would complain about, Warren spoke only about how thankful he has been for the response from the community and blessings from above.
Warren suffered road rash on both legs and most of his body, tendon and ligament damage in his right shoulder and damage to his left leg. Doctors hope the pins sticking out of his left hand will fuse the broken bones in his left thumb. Warren's left kneecap was detached, which allows no range of motion, making walking a struggle for the band director.
Tendon and ligament damage still exist three weeks after the accident, but his physical therapy and exercises have allowed for more movement in his shoulder. Tailbone injuries have caused lower back pressure problems for Warren, which interfere with sleeping and sitting.
To say the least, Warren is lucky to be alive. Officers who came to the scene of the accident later asked if the professor was still alive after the collision.
This weekend Warren helped his wife run a few errands. "Even though I didn't do anything, I had no stamina and was so worn out. I am on so many drugs, and my lack of endurance is still low."
Warren's wife, whom he called his "Florence Nightingale" because of all the help she has given him, had been helping him until she returned to work this week.
While his doctors said his recovery is on schedule, they said they are leaning toward a 6-week recovery period rather than a 4-week period, just for good measure. Warren will remain in therapy and exercise movement to recover to his best ability.
Warren said he misses UA more than anything.
"I miss the students," he said. "I have never missed a concert in my 27 years of teaching, but this time I have missed two; one the week of the accident and another one this week."
Because of doctor's orders, Warren will return to work but only be allowed to sit at his desk for limited amounts of time. Although he cannot explain exactly how he lived through this incident, Warren said he does have some idea.
"My guardian angel was definitely watching over me that night."
Warren, a band director for 27 years at UA, had just bought the Honda motorcycle in Joplin, Mo., for his 14-year-old son to ride around Fayetteville. He said he was testing out the bike when he fell into this unexpected accident.
"I didn't know where I was, but as I kept tumbling and falling I just kept saying 'Just help me, God,'" Warren said.
With a list of injuries many would complain about, Warren spoke only about how thankful he has been for the response from the community and blessings from above.
Warren suffered road rash on both legs and most of his body, tendon and ligament damage in his right shoulder and damage to his left leg. Doctors hope the pins sticking out of his left hand will fuse the broken bones in his left thumb. Warren's left kneecap was detached, which allows no range of motion, making walking a struggle for the band director.
Tendon and ligament damage still exist three weeks after the accident, but his physical therapy and exercises have allowed for more movement in his shoulder. Tailbone injuries have caused lower back pressure problems for Warren, which interfere with sleeping and sitting.
To say the least, Warren is lucky to be alive. Officers who came to the scene of the accident later asked if the professor was still alive after the collision.
This weekend Warren helped his wife run a few errands. "Even though I didn't do anything, I had no stamina and was so worn out. I am on so many drugs, and my lack of endurance is still low."
Warren's wife, whom he called his "Florence Nightingale" because of all the help she has given him, had been helping him until she returned to work this week.
While his doctors said his recovery is on schedule, they said they are leaning toward a 6-week recovery period rather than a 4-week period, just for good measure. Warren will remain in therapy and exercise movement to recover to his best ability.
Warren said he misses UA more than anything.
"I miss the students," he said. "I have never missed a concert in my 27 years of teaching, but this time I have missed two; one the week of the accident and another one this week."
Because of doctor's orders, Warren will return to work but only be allowed to sit at his desk for limited amounts of time. Although he cannot explain exactly how he lived through this incident, Warren said he does have some idea.
"My guardian angel was definitely watching over me that night."
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