Former Lincoln County Sheriff Stephen Southwick, who suffered fractures on his spine causing some paralysis, is "stabilizing more," his family wrote on a Web blog Wednesday from Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.
Southwick, 62, of Dietrich, has been unconscious and in critical condition since he was thrown from his Honda motorcycle Friday evening after veering off the road and striking a fencein Lincoln County.
"They are allowing Steve to breathe on his own at times," the blog says. "He is still on the ventilator and still unconscious. Steve has opened his eyes a few times. Nurses say it is a reflex."
The increased stability means surgery on his neck and back fractures "will happen in the near future," according to the blog.
The family reported Thursday that chest tubes were inserted to remove fluid from around his lungs.
Idaho State Police have yet to say whether Southwick was wearing a helmet when the crash occurred
