A Sterling, Illinois boy treated for injuries suffered when he sank into a collapsed sand dune has been released from the hospital.
Six-year-old Nathan Woessner was hospitalized after he spent more than three hours trapped in a collapsed dune at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on Friday, July 12, 2013.
Nathan airlifted that day to a hospital in Chicago where he was listed in critical condition because of injuries to his lungs from inhaling sand.
The Galva community rallied around Nathan’s family, including his grandfather who is pastor at First Baptist Church of Galva.
Nathan’s condition was upgraded Thursday, July 18 when it became clear he would not have to use a ventilator to help him breathe.
Nine days after it happened, Nathan’s family said he was returning to normal behavior but remained hospitalized at Coma Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
A statement from the hospital said Nathan’s condition was rapidly improving. Nathan’s condition was upgraded to “good” Saturday, July 20.
Nathan walked on his own July 21 and was able to visit the hospital playroom July 22.
A spokesman for the hospital confirmed Nathan was discharged late Tuesday afternoon, July 23, 2013. He will continue to receive care at a rehabilitation facility.