Cahoon and flight student Mark Bradley were involved in a plane crash near La Center on Aug. 10

Former State Rep. Liz Pike continues to update those concerned citizens regarding the recovery of husband Neil Cahoon following a small aircraft crash near the Daybreak Airport in La Center on Aug. 10.

On Aug. 10 at approximately 1 p.m., deputies with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to assist Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue and AMR with the small, single-engine aircraft crash south of Daybreak Airport, near the 4400 block of NE 290th Street in La Center. A 9-1-1 caller inside the aircraft provided initial information about the crash. Cahoon, a Camas resident, and flight student Mark Bradley were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.

Due to the remote location of the crash site, it took responders more than 20 minutes to reach the aircraft. Both Cahoon and Bradley sustained serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals.

“We appreciate everyone pulling for Neil as he recovers from the recent accident,’’ wrote on her Facebook account Wednesday (Aug. 19). “He continues to be in extreme pain and we are asking for prayers for he and his flight student Mark Bradley.’’

Pike thanked friends and family for the outpouring of love and support for Cahoon but she reported that they must temporarily suspend all visitors at this time.

“It’s been a really tough week and we must suspend all visitors to Neil for the time being,’’ Pike wrote. “We really appreciate all the folks who are taking time to visit but those visits are not what Neil needs right now. He needs rest and sleep and the invaluable care he is receiving from his medical team. Neil is the patient and we all must put his needs first.

“I realize not everyone is on FB and will not see this important request,’’ Pike added. “Please help spread the word. For the time being, visitors will not be permitted to visit Neil. I am sorry for any inconvenience. I’ll update here again when the timing for visitors is right for Neil. Thank you for your grace and understanding.’’

Pike reported that Cahoon has had many surgeries to repair injuries and broken bones sustained in the crash, including five surgeries on Saturday (Aug. 15) alone.

“Neil is in a lot of intense pain right now – trying to recover from the five successful surgeries performed on Saturday,’’ Pike wrote on Monday (Aug. 17). “Nursing staff tells me pain will peak in the next 48 hours and then begin to subside. He’s had two really bad nights in a row. They are upping his pain management so that he can rest and heal.

“While I’m reluctant to do so, I’m asking everyone to wait a few more days before visiting,’’ Pike added. “Also, Neil’s mornings are now occupied with Physical Therapy sessions and Occupational Therapy.

“We both appreciate the love, prayers and support,’’ Pike said. “We just need to give him some space for a few days to get past the extreme pain he is experiencing. Thank you for loving Neil!”