05-05-2025
Eighth grader has brain bleed after shot put hits him in track meet, IL dad says
An eighth grader suffered a skull fracture and a brain bleed during an accident at a track and field meet in Illinois, his father said.
Parker Swaar's injuries occurred Saturday, May 3, when the Illini Central Middle School student was struck in the head with a shot put, according to a Facebook post from Illini Central School District #189.
The boy's father, Ryan Swaar, said his son was hospitalized and initially intubated after the incident.
But the family received good news, as the boy's injuries did not require immediate surgery over the weekend.
'They are not concerned about his brain bleed and it looks like that part of the worry is over for now,' the father said in a Facebook post. 'His last CT came back with good news so they were able to take the tube out, he woke up fairly quickly and is in good spirits.'
Showing his resiliency, Parker even asked if he could compete in his school's next track meet, his father said. But Ryan Swaar had to break the news to his son that his season was now over.
The father said, May 4, it was still unclear if Parker needed surgery.
'He's so far everything and been good news, but even fracture and skull depression is right against his brain on an artery,' Ryan Swaar said.
The school district said it would be conducting a 'thorough review' of its safety protocols for athletic events. It said it was 'encouraged' by Parker's initial signs of recovery.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with Parker and the entire Swaar family during this incredibly difficult time,' the district said, adding that it 'is fully committed to supporting' the student's family.
Illini Central Middle School is in Mason City, about a 30-mile drive north from Springfield.
