One hot springs burn victim dies

Andy Crowell, burned over 80 percent of his body when he slipped in to a hot spring north of Gerlach Sept. 24, is still listed in critical condition at University Medical Center's burn unit in Las Vegas, girlfriend Patience Stewart said Monday afternoon.

He is expected to remain critical for about a month and a half.

"He's a fighter," Stewart said, noting he is trying to keep his spirits up, but he is completely sedated.

A second victim, friend Lisa O'Shea, died Sunday.

Stewart, Crowell's Virginia City High School sweetheart, said she will stay in Las Vegas with Crowell until he can return to the Reno area.

O'Shea and boyfriend Dominic Delafuente had joined Crowell and Stewart for a weekend of motorcycling and relaxing on the playa of the Black Rock Desert.

The hot spring, located about 30 miles north of Gerlach, was to be their last stop. After being released from the truck their two dogs jumped into the pool, which registered a scalding 200 degrees and when the dogs started yelping, Crowell and O'Shea rushed in to rescue them.

Crowell was apparently sucked into the funnel-shaped pool, resulting in third-degree burns up to the mid-chest area. According to father Steven Crowell, O'Shea managed to jump out of the pool more quickly, but was badly burned nevertheless.

Stewart's dog, a German shepherd-Chow mix named Ezra, was submerged in the pool and died almost immediately. The second animal, a Rottweiler named Leo, was pulled out yelping. He lost his hide and hair, and was euthanized that evening.

Crowell, a carpenter in the Virginia City Highlands, has no insurance.

His sister, Leala, has set up a fund for him at Washington Mutual Bank, 700 South State Street, Ukiah, California, 95482, account number 3513295829. Those wishing to contribute can make checks payable to Leala Crowell. Please note on the check that the contribution is to benefit Andrew Crowell.