Alexandra Huci’s chances of survival are minimal

The 12-year old gymnast underwent surgery yesterday morning at Timisoara County Hospital. Doctors hoped to reduce brain hemorrhage through surgical drainage. Following surgery, the CSS Deva gymnast slipped into a fourth degree coma. Doctors working on the case said there is a risk she could be brain dead at any minute and her chances of survival are minimal. The surgery was hoped to improve cranial circulation. A second surgery cannot be performed because Alexandra is in critical condition.

The doctors from Timisoara believe the accident is not gymnastics related, since the girl suffers from a congenital malformation. Moreover, brain aneurysms cannot be predicted. Alexandra was recovering from a hand injury suffered two months ago. Dr. Lucia Balasescu, the pediatrician who first saw Huci when she was brought to the hospital believes the gymnast hit an object as she was falling down. “When she was brought to us she was already in a coma. We took blood for testing and asked she is seen by a neurosurgeon. At first I was confused because I didn’t know exactly what happened to her. Then, I talked to the sports school doctor who told me the girl's teammates said she fell during practice. Still, falling on a mat is not significant enough to explain the gymnast’s current condition. She probably hit an obstacle [object?] as she was falling,” said the doctor.

National team head coach Octavian Belu said ROC president Ion Tiriac offered a plane to transport the gymnast to a hospital outside the country, but her current condition does not allow that. RGF secretary Adrian Stoica added that “the girl was one of the best juniors in the country. The national team coaches were already scouting her, so that she could join the national team once she was old enough. What happened is a huge tragedy.” Mariana Bitang confirmed Stoica’s compliments. “We were all affected by the girl's tragedy. Alexandra is one of the best junior gymnasts. We kept an eye on her for the national team.”

Alexandra Huci has a twin sister, Ana-Maria, who is also a gymnast.

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