A Hilo man well-known in the sports community is in a medically induced coma after a June 5 fall from a high ladder while on a job cleaning windows.
A Hilo man well-known in the sports community is in a medically induced coma after a June 5 fall from a high ladder while on a job cleaning windows.
Troy Mandaloniz, a 35-year-old father of two, is in the intensive care unit at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, his older brother said Monday.
“It’s been a very surreal situation,” Reuben Mandaloniz said. “He’s still under sedation, so the doctors still haven’t been able to fully assess the head trauma,” he said. “We’re suspecting that’s going to be OK. … They’ve put him in a medically induced coma so … he can recover. They were able to remove the tubes temporarily and he was able to speak and answer questions.”
Troy Mandaloniz is a rodeo cowboy and mixed martial artist who fought twice in the UFC and was a cast member on “The Ultimate Fighter” TV program. He also was a corner man for retired UFC champion BJ Penn and refereed MMA fights.
In addition to the head injury, Mandaloniz broke his right arm in three places, in an attempt to break his fall. Reuben Mandaloniz said the arm took the brunt of the impact, “which basically saved his life.”
“He landed on his arm, and it shattered,” he said. “They had to do a procedure this past week to regain blood flow in it. We’re hoping that, through therapy, he’ll be able to completely recover. But we don’t know about that.”
Troy Mandaloniz won’t be receiving visitors other than immediate family while in intensive care, Reuben Mandaloniz said. He added his brother’s wife, Adria, is on Oahu.
She’s been very strong,” he said. “My mom (Sonia Mandaloniz) will be there all next week.”
The couple’s children, Iliana, 5, and Colt, 3, are staying with relatives.
The news spread quickly via social media, with numerous well-wishes and prayers on Facebook.
“Troy Mandaloniz you will fight this, and you will be back,” one individual wrote.
“Praying for a great person that loves life and who I have faith will fully recover,” posted another.
“The outpouring from the community has been incredible,” Reuben Mandaloniz said. “Troy’s got a big personality, and he has a positive support system around him. I think he’ll be touched by the people who have reached out to the family and what has happened on social media.”
An online fundraiser at www.gofundme.com/ws2q5s had raised $9,530 as of Monday afternoon to help defray the injured man’s medical and family expenses. The goal is $50,000.
“Troy’s going to be in the hospital for a while,” Reuben Mandaloniz said. “He’s my brother, I love him, and it’s difficult to see what he’s going through. I just want the best for him and his kids. He’s a great dad, and he’s done a lot for the kids in Hilo.”
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.