Friends of a former Dayton High School basketball and track star injured in a rollover accident Friday on Geiger Grade are appealing to the public for financial help with medical bills.
Vince Piersanti, a 20-year-old Dayton native and full-time student at the University of Nevada, Reno, was driving to Reno from a Dayton High School football game when he lost control of his truck near the scenic overlook on Geiger Grade.
The truck rolled, causing skull fractures, head trauma and a partially collapsed lung. He remains in critical condition at Washoe Medical Center and, although comatose, he is slowly showing signs of improvement, said friend Wes Francis.
"Yesterday he showed his first reaction to light," he said. Piersanti's condition has been fluctuating ever since the accident. On Saturday he showed signs of improvement, but his injured lung regressed, resulting in brain swelling.
It is unknown how long Piersanti will remain in intensive care.
An account on Piersanti's behalf has been set up at the Nevada State Bank in Dayton. Contributions can be made at any branch by mentioning Piersanti's account. For more information call Francis at 246-7699.
Piersanti was named the Nevada Appeal Carson Country 3A Male Athlete of the year and Dayton High School's top athlete for the 1998-1999 season. He helped the Dayton boys basketball team make it to the 3A boys state tournament. That year the team compiled a 19-10 record. Piersanti also set the school high-jump record and 6 feet, 4 inches.
What: Account for injured Dayton man injured in accident
Where: Any Nevada State Branch
Name: Vince Piersanti