A 12-year-old player at the Little League World Series who was seriously injured after falling from a bunk bed faces a "long road to recovery," his family said Thursday.
Easton Oliverson, of Utah's Snow Canyon Little League, fractured his skull and suffered an epidural hematoma, which sees blood build between the skull and dura. The fall happened at a dorm for players in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on Monday, his father, Jace Oliverson, told NBC News in a phone interview.
Days later, he says his son is now "able to talk to us," but is still suffering from "a lot of swelling."
"It's all good signs, but at the same time it’s going to be along road to recovery," Jace Oliverson said.
Little League International had confirmed in a statement earlier this week that Easton had "sustained an injury" in his dormitory on Monday. The organization said he was taken to Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital.
In a later statement, the organization said it would be removing all bunks from dorm rooms and would instead be using individual beds "out of an abundance of caution" following the incident.
“Since 1992, Little League has used institutional-style bunk beds to offer the most space for the players to enjoy their time in the dorms,” it said, adding that “while these beds do not have guard rails, Little League is unaware of any serious injuries ever occurring during that period of time.”
Jace Oliverson said he had no comment on the development, but said he just wanted "all the kids safe."
Easton fell after Snow Canyon became the first team from Utah to advance to the World Series tournament in its 75-year history.
With Easton injured, Snow Canyon said the player’s younger brother, Brogan, would be filling in as a replacement. The team said Brogan had already been selected as an alternate player.
Speaking briefly on the phone, Brogan, 10, said he was "happy" to be able to represent his brother on the field.
Jace Oliverson said Easton was "extremely emotional" about the situation, feeling like the opportunity to take part in the momentous event had been "taken away from him."
"At the same time, he’s excited that his little brother is able to represent him," the father said.
Earlier this week, Little League International said officials were "pleased to hear that (Easton's) medical team remains encouraged by his progress."
"At the request of his family, Little League International encourages all to join us in keeping the Snow Canyon Little League player and his family in our thoughts and prayers, as we wish for a full and complete recovery," it said.
Little League International said it would continue to use all available resources "to support the player, his family, and his coaches and teammates, as we navigate this unfortunate situation."
The Snow Canyon Little League team is scheduled to play its first game of the Little League World Series on Friday afternoon.
Jace Oliverson said he hoped people would "keep praying for Easton."
"It is not going to be an easy road for him, both physically and mentally," he said.
