A prominent Nanaimo citizen suffered a serious head injury in a motorcycle accident in Saskatchewan.
Frank Mazzei, 59, founder of Mazzei Electric and former president of the Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival Society, was travelling to a friend's house in Cupar, Sask. on his Honda Goldwing Aug. 31 when the crash occurred near the town of Southey, Sask. on Highway 22.
Mazzei was rushed to Regina General Hospital and was stabilized, but remains in a coma in the surgical intensive care unit.
"He's still in critical condition," said Sara Mazzei, his daughter, who flew to Saskatchewan with her mom and other family members first thing Thursday. "He was X-rayed for his major bones and they appear to be OK. There may be some minor injuries, but at this point the head injury is the main concern."
Sara Mazzei said Saskatchewan RCMP are still investigating, but it isn't believed there were any other vehicles involved. She added her dad, who was wearing a helmet and riding alone, is an experienced motorcyclist who has travelled to Saskatchewan before on a motorcycle as well as to Las Vegas.
Originally from Saskatchewan, Frank Mazzei was on a road trip to visit family and friends.
"This is a horrible shock," said Sara Tuesday morning. "We just have to wait and see what happens."
Along with the dragon boat society, Mazzei is chairman of the Cancer Society's Relay For Life, involved with the Salvation Army and sponsors numerous local sports teams, that include the B.C. Hockey League's Nanaimo Clippers and B.C. Junior Football League's V.I. Raiders.