Michael Schumacher in a Critical Condition after Skiing Accident
Formula 1 icon has undergone brain surgery in Grenoble
**Update 31st December 11:30 - Michael Schumacher has shown a "slight improvement" after a second operation overnight where a hematoma was removed from the pilots the brain. His condition is still considered critical by doctors at the Grenoble hospital.
**Update 31st December 9:30 - It has been reported that Michael Schumachers helmet was "broken in two" during his off-piste fall on Sunday in Méribel.
The off-piste area where the accident happened, between the blue Biche piste and the red Maudit piste, was said to have been covered by 20 centimetres of fresh snow the night before and covered a scattering of rocks.
The rescue teams said the conditions were fortunate enough for them to make a fast evacuation by helicopter, only 23 minutes after the accident happened.
** Update 20:30 - Footage from BFMTV shows the Schumacher being transported by helicopter after accident near the Biche piste in Meribel.
** Update 11:06 - Schumacher has undergone an operation to relieve pressure on his brain and is in an induced coma. His situation is believed to be critical. His family are at his bedside. He is not believed to need a second operation at this time. Doctors are unable to say what the outcome will be, it's too early to say**
On Sunday morning, Formula 1 legend and Meribel chalet owner Michael Schumacher was skiing off piste in Meribel and fell, hitting his head on a rock.
He was apparently skiing just under the Dent de Burgin near the Biche piste - though this has not been confirmed - in a group when the accident happened, and although he was wearing a helmet he sustained a relatively serious head injury.
Conscious at first, although obviously shaken, he later slipped into a coma and was transferred to Grenoble hospital, where he has underdone neural surgery.
He is currently in ICU in a coma, and Professor Denis Safran, chief of surgery at Grenoble, commented that it's too early to give a prognosis but that the following hours and days are critical.
A press conference will be taking place at 11am French time where more information is expected.
Our thoughts are with his wife and children at this time.
