A New Zealander who suffered a serious head injury while rock climbing near Las Vegas has been released from hospital, media reported.<\/p>\n
However, Will Campbell, 25, who is understood to be from Dunedin, could face a long road to recovery.<\/p>\n
The climbing accident happened just under a week ago at Red Rocks, Nevada, in the United States.<\/p>\n
Mr Campbell was rock climbing near the Calico Basin in the Red Rock Canyon, capping off a week-long annual trip with friends, when his foot got stuck in his rope, flipping him upside down and hitting his head against the rock, his friend Tomas Doell told media outlet 8 News Now.<\/p>\n
It was heartbreaking to see his friend in that condition, he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Doell said they called for help about 2pm last Saturday (local time) and then awaited a rescue helicopter.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It was traumatising for everybody involved in the situation,\u2019\u2019 he told 8 News Now.<\/p>\n
Mr Campbell had since been cleared for release from hospital by doctors, but was told his recovery could take months, Mr Doell said.<\/p>\n
He considered Mr Campbell to be an experienced climber.<\/p>\n
The group of friends regularly chose the Red Rock Canyon.<\/p>\n
Friends set up a GoFundMe page and Mr Doell was listed as the organiser.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018The financial burden of hospital bills and ongoing rehabilitation is overwhelming for Will and his loved ones,\u2019\u2019 the page said.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward covering his medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospital stays and the rehabilitation he needs to regain his strength and independence.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
As of yesterday evening, more than $US30,000 ($NZ52,500) had been raised.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Otago Daily Times\u00a0understands family are looking to fly to the US to see Mr Campbell.<\/p>\n