DENVER-
A minor-league baseball executive who was severely injured in a stadium fireworks explosion last month is in fair condition with multiple skull fractures and lost his left eye, doctors said.
Rai Henniger, a senior vice president for the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox, will likely remain at Denver Health Medical Center for at least two more weeks, Dr. Ernest E. “Gene” Moore said Monday.
Henniger, 47, who is licensed to handle fireworks, was placing a commercial-grade shell into a cylinder before a May 11 game at the time of the explosion, Colorado Springs fire officials said.
The team sets off fireworks after home runs and victories and on other occasions, but Sky Sox officials said most of that has been suspended until the investigation is done.
His wife, Heather Henniger, said Monday the cause of the explosion had still not been determined.
She said her husband has “ups and downs” but is approaching his treatment and recovery with “unwavering courage and awesome spirit, like everything in his life.”
Heather Henniger spoke at a news conference with Army Sgts. Christopher Smith and Michael Cordosi, who ran to her husband’s aid after the explosion.
They were among a group of soldiers who were to be honored at the game. Smith said they used towels to stop the bleeding and kept Henniger talking until an ambulance arrived.
“We did what we could with the time we were given,” Smith said.
Heather Henniger hugged them and said, “It’s not just from me, but from all my children …. Thank you.”
The Hennigers have three children.
The Sky Sox are affiliated with the Colorado Rockies.
