Injured alum on his way to recovery

By Laura Barnes
J-School Web reporter

photo courtesy of the Lang family

Casey Lang practices walking outside Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital in Delray Beach, Fla. He is scheduled to be released Dec. 11.

School of Journalism alum Casey Lang was critically injured Oct. 27 while on the job for his TV station, WPEC Channel 12 out of Boynton Beach, Fla. Lang was crossing the road to film the scene of a plane accident when a Buick LeSabre hit him, according to his brother, Terry Lang.

Lang's skull was fractured in two places and he suffered brain damage from the crash, as well as internal bleeding and breaks to his right leg in several places, said Terry Lang. He has since made a recovery that his brother has referred to as “miraculous.” Although Lang's brain was injured in the accident, the injury has healed with no signs of permanent damage, Terry Lang wrote via e-mail.

Since the accident, Terry Lang has maintained a Web site so friends and family can stay up to date on his progress. 

“The University of Montana has had a great response and many old classmates, professors, and staff have been in contact with our family,” Terry Lang wrote. “Mick Holien, the voice of the Griz football team, even dedicated a broadcast to Casey and mentioned him several times on the air throughout the final games of the season.”

A student in the radio-television class of 2006, Lang left a lasting impression on the School of Journalism, including his professor Ray Ekness. Ekness, chair of the R-TV Department, remembers Lang as a vivacious and dedicated student.

“He was always very positive and upbeat,” Ekness wrote via e-mail.  “Whether he was shooting video and making dubs for the Grizzly football team or interning and working at KPAX-TV, Casey knew he wanted to shoot, edit and tell stories for television.” 

News of Lang’s injury had a big impact on Ekness.

“When I heard Casey had been injured, it was very scary for me,” Ekness wrote. “We send a lot of students on the road in Missoula and around Montana on a variety of projects. I never really sleep well when we do that because I'm always worried about the weather or the roads or their cars. I guess it's not a surprise that we keep having those same worried thoughts about the graduates we send out into the world, too.” 

Ekness concern remains with Lang, but he is confident that his resolve will pull him through.

“Our prayers continue to be with Casey and his family,” Ekness wrote. “He's recovering but still has work to do. But he's stubborn. He'll work hard. And he'll have a camera back on his shoulder in no time.”

Lang faces physical therapy, but at his current rate of progress should recover 90-95 percent, said his brother. He is expected to return home before Christmas.

Lang’s parents, Don and Carol Lang, of Great Falls, Mont., are grateful for the support since the accident. 

“Words can't begin to express our gratitude and appreciation to the many people, friends, and family that have been with Casey and us throughout his accident, recovery, and rehabilitation,” they wrote in a recent press release. “You can't imagine how it has been so helpful to Casey and us.” 

Anyone who is interested can contact the family via Lang’s homepage. 

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