MAYVILLE, N.D. — Mayville State quarterback Matt Donovan was seriously injured in a college football game Saturday afternoon and is in a medically induced coma after being life-flighted to Fargo.
His family is asking for prayers and moral support after the former multi-sport star at Kasson-Mantorville High School (Minnesota) suffered a severe head injury when he absorbed a helmet-to-helmet hit.
Mayville State released a statement Sunday.
“In the third quarter against Simpson University, Matt Donovan sustained a head injury that resulted in him being life flighted to Fargo,” the statement said. “Once he arrived in Fargo, he underwent surgery on his brain that lasted just over two hours, where they removed portions of his skull in order to release the pressure from his brain.
“For context, the pressure in the average person’s brain is a 4, his was many times more than that. After leaving surgery he was released into the intensive care unit and is under some of the best medical care in the midwest. This morning his eyes reacted to light in a normal manner, which caused the neurosurgeon to say last night was a win. He is still in a medically induced coma and is fighting like crazy. Your prayers are working and encouraged at this time.”
A GoFundMe account has been established
, created by Matt’s sister Ashley Klar, to help the Donovan family with medical bills and other expenses. As of 11:45 a.m. Sunday, more than $18,300 had been raised.
A message posted on the GoFundMe account reads: “Matthew was involved in a head-to-head collision and after the impact he collapsed. It was quickly discovered that he had a brain bleed and he was life flighted to Fargo, ND, where he underwent a craniotomy. Matthew is now recovering in the ICU, and our family is staying close by as we take things one moment at a time during this incredibly difficult and uncertain season.
“The funds raised will help support Matthew’s family with lodging and dining while we are away from home, along with medical expenses related to his care and recovery. My family and I are so grateful for the love and support already being shown to Matthew, and we are asking for continued help as we face the days ahead. Any donation, share, or message of encouragement would mean so much. We heavily appreciate the love and support that is continued to be shown to Matthew and our family through this difficult time.”
Matt’s dad, Terry Donovan, was an assistant coach and offensive coordinator for Kasson-Mantorville’s football team for 14 seasons before taking the La Crescent-Hokah job in 2022.
Matt Donovan
Late Saturday night, he posted a message to let friends and family know Matt was in a medically induced coma to help his brain and body heal. Sunday morning, he posted a cautiously encouraging update, reading in part: “Yesterday was an incredibly tough day, and today continues to be tough. But this morning, the neurosurgeon gave us something positive to hold onto and said that last night was a small victory for Matt. … Through the night, his brain pressure stayed controlled and as of (Sunday) morning his pupils are normal and reactive. The doctors told us that is an encouraging sign. We will take every small victory we can get right now. He is definitely not out of the woods yet. The next couple of days are still very important because swelling can continue or increase.
“… The amount of support, messages, love and prayers we have received is beyond anything we could have imagined. We cannot thank everyone enough.”
Matt Donovan, like his older brother Riley, starred for K-M’s football team during his high school days. Matt, a 2022 K-M graduate, was a four-year varsity regular for the KoMets, running their triple-option offense and twice being named a team captain. As a senior in 2021, he ran for more than 2,000 yards, passed for more than 800 and helped the KoMets reach the Class 4A state championship game.
Matt was also a standout forward for the Dodge County boys hockey team. He scored 43 goals and 90 points in his three-year varsity career and was the second-leading scorer on the Wildcats team that finished as the 2021 Class 1A state runner-up.
Donovan leads the 3-1 Comets this fall in rushing and passing.
The injury occurred during Mayville State’s Homecoming game Saturday afternoon at Jerome Berg Stadium on the Mayville State campus, against Simpson University from Redding, Calif.
Mayville State head coach Rocky Larson was among those who broke down in tears on the sideline, according to a report from KVRR-TV in Fargo, as Donovan was receiving medical attention.
Mayville State rallied after the injury to win the game 42-41.
Larson later posted the link to the Donovan family’s GoFundMe page, as well as a message on his Facebook page: “Matt is a fighter and an incredible leader. It’s our turn to step up and help the family. Keep the prayers coming!”