WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The family of a 12-year-old Little League World Series player from Utah who sustained a head injury after falling out of the top bunk of his bed in the dorm room said Thursday he was transferred from the intensive care unit and can go with Support sit, eat and walk steps.
Easton Oliverson, a pitcher and outfielder for the Snow Canyon team from Santa Clara, Utah, suffered Monday’s injury and was listed in critical condition Tuesday.
But according to a post Thursday on an Instagram account the family set up to share updates, he’s now back in a normal hospital room and able to communicate with his parents, Jace and Nancy, and other family members.
A video attached to the post also showed Easton drinking and feeding.
“We are amazed at his strength and willingness to try new things,” the post reads. “He communicated more frequently with his mother, father and uncles who were with him in the hospital. His voice was significantly clearer when he speaks! He asked Nancy about his hair and why it was there.”
His father, Jace, told ABC News in a text message that “we’ve walked a few steps with support, but he hasn’t walked alone yet. Hoping that will happen soon.”
The Santa Clara team, for which Jace also serves as an assistant coach, was the first Utah team to make the Little League World Series. It represents the mountain region and is scheduled to play its first game on Friday against the Nolensville, Tennessee team, which represents the southeast region.
Little League World Series officials also announced in a statement Thursday that Snow Canyon would fill Easton’s vacant roster spot with his brother, Brogan Oliverson.
According to Little League, the addition of an eligible player is common in certain situations, including medical absences. The move has been approved by the tournament committee and Brogan will be eligible for Friday’s game.
The boy’s uncle, Spencer Beck, acted as the family spokesman and told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Easton fell out of bed in his sleep and hit his head.
“The teammates heard him, thank God,” Beck said in a telephone interview. “When they were operated on, the doctor spoke to Jace and said that if he hadn’t had the operation, but 30 minutes later he would have been dead.”
The family set up a Venmo account for the child, nicknamed “Tank,” to help with bills and expenses.
“He’s making great strides and we as a family couldn’t be more grateful,” the Instagram statement read.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.