Injured extreme-sports athlete: 'You think I might stop? No'
Bird was practicing Saturday morning to beat his own world record for long-jumping on a dirt bike when the crash occurred. Going at a reported speed of more than 100 mph, Bird traveled 420 feet in the air when his bike tilted to the left side and slammed into the ground.
 Jason Bird performs the long-jump Saturday that ended in a crash that broke many of his bones. |
Bird broke his jaw, cheekbones and many other bones in his face. Doctors told family members that a major artery was severed in his face, causing a lot of blood loss.
His left arm is broken, as well as both legs. The 32-year-old man is equipped with a trachea tube and can't talk, eat or even swallow.
Bird communicated during an exclusive Eyewitness News interview on Monday the only way he currently can -- by handwritten notes. He said he can feel the bones broken inside his face when he moves. Bones can be seen protruding from his upper jaw.
Bird wrote a message to his fans and friends.
"You all know me," Bird jotted on a piece of paper. "I am a desert rat -- been living there for two years testing and flying. I went 400-plus feet and lived. You think I might stop? No. No, I made a mistake and will fix it to fly another day. Hi everyone. Thanks everyone."
Bird's friends are holding a car wash to help pay for his medical expenses. The car wash will be held on Oct. 3 starting at 10 a.m. at Fatal Impact Street Wear, 10711 Rosedale Highway.
Watch Sunday's report on Bird's crash