Snowboarder Kevin Pearce moved from critical care unit and continues to progress in his recovery

Pro snowboarder Kevin Pearce has been moved out of the critical care unit at the University of Utah Hospital, and continues to make progress in his recovery from a head injury sustained Dec. 31.

"Kevin is making excellent progress and will move from the Critical Care to Neuro Acute care unit at the University of Utah Hospital today. He is working very hard to make daily progress in therapy, and his sense of humor and optimism are apparent as he begins his rehabilitation,” Elaine Skalabrin, medical director of neuro critical care and one of Pearce’s doctors, stated in the official update released today.

Pearce, 22, of Norwich, Vt., was training in the halfpipe at Park City, Utah, and was completing a cab double cork -- a twisting double back flip maneuver he's landed before -- when he caught his toe-side edge while landing.

Though he was wearing a helmet, he hit his head above one of his eyes and was knocked unconscious.

Pearce’s parents and family members remain by his side and continue to be grateful for all of the support shown from friends and fans worldwide.

The Facebook Fan page created by Pearce's family is still the preferred site for people posting their get-well wishes.

Hopefully, Pearce will feel up to watching the Winter X Games 14, which begin Thursday at Aspen, Colo., as well as the Winter Olympics, which begin Feb. 12 in Vancouver, Canada. Though the competition won't seem the same without him, he'll likely still be there -- in everyone's thoughts.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Kevin Pearce competes in the men's snowboard superpipe final at Winter X Games 13 last year in Aspen, Colo. Credit: Eric Lars Bakke / Shazamm/ESPN Images

Related:

Snowboarder Kevin Pearce continues to recover and improve at Utah hospital

Snowboarder Kevin Pearce is regaining consciousness; has been upgraded from critical to serious condition

Snowboarder Kevin Pearce remains in critical condition with traumatic brain injury

Snowboarder Kevin Pearce in critical condition after halfpipe accident

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Comments

[Priscilla Moore]

Having been big fans of your family through SP glass that I've been lucky enough to own a few pieces,I then saw the piece cbs did on Kevin and was so touched by his accident. My entire family has been enjoying the olympics esp my grandchildren. Your story certainly tells how much work and danger goes into your extrodinary quest for competition in athletics. Our prayers are with you Kevin as you cont. your rehab. You are blessed by a loving family and people all over the world who are praying for a full recovery. May God hold you in the palm of his hand. The Moore's from Georgia

[Blue Lightnin]

Praise God!