Snow Canyon All Star player Easton Oliverson and his dad, Jace, who is a coach for the team from Utah that will compete in the Little League World Series 2022 in South Williamsport, Pa.
UPDATE: Injured Little League player’s surgery to replace skull ‘went perfectly,’ family says
The Utah Little League player injured when he fell out of a bunk bed on Monday, Aug. 15, is having his skull cap replaced today at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville.
Easton Oliverson’s family said the four-hour procedure was scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m.
“We would like to ask for very specific prayers that his doctor’s will feel confident in every step, and that Easton’s body will continue to react well,” the family said on Facebook.
Easton, 12, fractured his skull when he fell from the top bunk that did not have guard rails. His team, the Snow Canyon All Stars from Santa Clara, Utah, competed in the 2022 Little League World Series in South Williamsport with his brother, Brogan, 10, taking his place. Snow Canyon represented the Mountain Region and it was the first time Utah has played at the LLWS.
The team lost both of its games. The Oliverson family said Easton’s dad, Jace, a coach for the Snow Canyon team, and Brogan, returned home to St. George, Utah, with the team.
Easton “was able to FaceTime and be a part of this celebration. While he wishes he could have been a part of it in person, he knows that if he continues to work hard and listen to his doctors - he will be home before he knows it!”
Other family members arrived in Danville to be with Easton and his mom, Nancy.
According to the family, the replacement of the piece of Easton’s skull is much earlier than usually anticipated. Last week the family said they were told it would be 6 to 8 weeks before the piece of his skull could be put back.
Easton is expected to be transferred to a hospital in Salt Lake City after he recovers from today’s surgery.
His family said his recovery has been remarkable.
“Easton has been focusing on both physical and occupational therapy. He has been walking the halls of his unit, playing Eye Spy, practicing his side shuffle, walking backwards, doing word searches, and writing his name. He is greatly advancing in these aspects of his recovery.”
Easton has received messages of support from around the world including a phone call from Pa. Sen. Bob Casey who called Jace Oliverson recently, the family said.
Other messages and gifts have come from Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Matt Carpenter of the New York Yankees, the Brigham Young University football team and most recently the Utah Jazz and New York Yankees.
East End Fire Company this week brought its apparatus to the hospital to cheer Easton.
“Easton received very meaningful packages from both the @utahjazz and the @yankees. These significantly brightened his day, and he had a smile from ear to ear. His dad, Jace received a phone call from Senator Bob Casey today showing his support. Easton and his family continue to be overwhelmed by the love and support being shown from near and far. THANK YOU!!”
In the aftermath of Easton’s injury, Little League International removed bunk beds from the International Grove dormitory where the players stay. All beds were placed with the frames on the floor.
There have been numerous fundraisers to assist the family with expenses and a Venmo account was created @MiraclesForTank. (Tank is Easton’s nickname).
A Facebook page established in Easton’s name to provide updates has more than 21,000 followers and almost 5,000 friends.
“We know that we’ve said it a million times, but we really want everyone to know how grateful we are for Team Easton. He wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for his prayer army. We love and appreciate you all!,” the family said.
READ MORE ABOUT EASTON’S JOURNEY
Santa Clara, Utah's Brogan Oliverson (6) shakes hands with Nolensville, Tenn., manager Randy Huth at the end of a baseball game at the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa., Friday, Aug. 19, 2022. Tennessee won 11-2. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)AP
Easton Oliverson plays for the Snow Canyon All Stars Little League team from Utah. The team is the first ever from Utah to compete in the Little League World Series.
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