Despite accident, local family perseveres

Lopez kayak instructor and business owner Colin Doherty shattered his tibia while snowboarding in Winthrop late last month.

“There was very low snow cover, and I hit something just under the snow,” Doherty said. “I slid on my belly, down the hill and hit a tree with my leg. I knew my season was over, but I did not realize how bad the damage was. I managed to ride down to the base, sign out, as all employees must do, and drive home.”

Doherty, who attended Lopez High School and returned to the island as an adult, runs Cascadia Kayak Tours during the summer months with his wife, Heidi Hernandez. In the winter time, Doherty, a certified snowboarding instructor, teaches snowboarding in Tamarack, Idaho, as well as Winthrop, Wash.

The accident occurred when Doherty was taking a break between instruction. After returning home, he then went to an emergency clinic where he received X-rays, and the physicians informed Doherty and his wife that there was no break. Doherty was given pain medication and sent home. He was referred to physical therapy, and Hernandez and Doherty requested an MRI, so that they could assess the damage with the physical therapist. The MRI showed a crack down the tibia, and an unknown amount of damage to the tibial plateau, where the tibia meets the knee joint.

Doherty was then referred to an orthopedic surgeon, who also specializes in sports medicine. This doctor ordered a CT scan, and the scan showed that the tibial plateau was shattered into many disparate pieces and Doherty needed surgery. They scheduled surgery for the next day.

Cathy Doherty, an ARNP at Lopez Medical Clinic and Colin’s mother, came out to Wenatchee to help Doherty and Hernandez with their two children, Luna, who is seven years old and Canyon, who is three years old.

Doherty will be in a full leg cast for a month, and a brace for another two months. His leg must be in a state of complete non-weight bearing for three months. At that point the bone should be healed, and the doctor will be able to assess the ligaments and meniscus that support and stabilize the knee for more serious damage.

“We will not know until the end of June what the status is on his ligaments,” Hernandez said. “They may or may not need to be surgically repaired. Because of his line of work as a kayak guide, a snowboard instructor, and a tree worker, he will not be back to work for at least four months, possibly much longer if another surgery and recovery are needed.

“As far as our business goes, we are hopeful that it will survive this challenge. Our employees have been amazing, and have all been supportive, understanding, and generous with us.”

“We have been amazed by the outpouring of love and support from our community and family on Lopez,” added Colin. “Even though we were in the Methow Valley when this occurred, we feel very honored that we are so loved and supported by our community. We have fully realized how important community is for us, and where home truly is.”

Colin and his family returned to Lopez on April 4. Donations can be made to help the family by calling Joyce Buffum at Islanders’ Bank at 468-2295.