Nathan Van Hooydonck wakes up again after serious car accident, no brain damage

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 6:09 PM

Update Nathan Van Hooydonck’s condition is as follows Sporza promising. No brain damage has been found in the 27-year-old Jumbo-Visma driver, who was involved in a serious traffic accident this morning. As a precaution, Van Hooydonck was kept in an artificial coma, but he woke up from it, Jumbo-Visma riders said. “His condition is hopeful,” says those around him.

Van Hooydonck drove through the center of Kalmthout with his pregnant wife on Tuesday morning. According to the Gazette of Antwerp Van Hooydonck was waiting at an intersection when he became unwell, after which he allegedly pressed his accelerator to cross the intersection. Five other vehicles were damaged.

According to Van Hooydonck, Sporza resuscitated on the spot by a nurse, with the police AED device. He was then transferred to the University Hospital of Antwerp. His wife also had to go to the hospital, but only for a check-up.

“The driver was resuscitated on the spot and taken to hospital in life-threatening condition,” Patrick De Smedt of the Border police zone told the Belgian newspaper. “His pregnant wife who was sitting next to him was not injured, but was also taken to hospital.”

Three people in the other vehicles were slightly injured, including a young child. The other motorists involved received victim assistance at the local youth center. The intersection in Kalmthout is currently closed because several cars need to be towed.

Statement Jumbo-Visma
Jumbo-Visma has released a statement via social media. “We can confirm that our rider Nathan Van Hooydonck became unwell while driving his car earlier today, which led to his involvement in a road accident. He was then transported to hospital, where he received good medical care. We cannot confirm the rumors that his condition is critical. He is now undergoing further medical examinations. Thanks for all the messages to Nathan and the team.”

Updated 6:03 PM

After the sixteenth stage in the Vuelta a España, several Jumbo-Visma riders shared good news about the condition of Nathan Van Hooydonck. “We heard at the foot of the final climb that Nathan is awake again and feels quite okay,” said Hungarian champion Attila Valter.

Jonas Vingegaard, who won the mountain stage to Bejes and dedicated it to Van Hooydonck, also provided an update. “Fortunately there is better news about him, about his condition. That is a big relief for me and for the team. I hope he will recover quickly,” said the Dane.

We can confirm that earlier today our rider Nathan van Hooydonck became unwell while driving his car, leading to his involvement in a traffic accident. He was subsequently transported to the hospital, where he is receiving good medical care. We cannot confirm rumours that his…

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) September 12, 2023