Member of Utah Little League team injured in fall from bunk bed

WILLIAMSPORT, Penn. — The Utah Little League all-star team that is scheduled to play in the Little League World Series this week has suffered a significant blow.

Easton Oliverson, a pitcher and outfielder for the team from Snow Canyon, is in the hospital. He was injured after falling off a bunk bed. HIs dad, Jace Oliverson, tells KSL TV’s Dan Rascon that Easton rolled out of his bunk bed and fractured his skull and cheekbone. 

“After his surgery, the doctors came and said he was 30 minutes away from passing away,” said Jace to KSL TV. “That’s how serious it was. I’ve always been a firm believer in prayer and the power that comes with it. I feel like if people continue to rally around us, he will make a full recovery.”

Jace is also an assistant coach for the team.

St. George News first reported the boy was in intensive care after a successful surgery at a hospital near Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where the team will begin to play later this week. Coach Kyle Hafen tells KSL NewsRadio that the boy is in critical condition. The team, however, remains optimistic. Hafen says the team is also joining the family in asking for prayers.

“We teach our players to do everything with a purpose, that hasn’t changed,” Hafen wrote in a text message to KSL NewsRadio. “It has perhaps been added to with something far greater than ever.”

Team Utah is scheduled to play Friday against the winner of the Massachusetts-Tennessee game to be played on Wednesday.

KSL NewsRadio’s Mark Jones and KSL TV’s Dan Rascon contributed to this article.

Read more:

• Utah little league team makes World Series for the first time ever
• Sportsmanship exemplified in grace of Little League batter