Hutton remains in serious condition after motorcycle wreck

Lisa Snedeker

Monday, Oct. 30, 2000 | 4:31 a.m.

Actress and model Lauren Hutton recuperated Monday in a Las Vegas hospital while investigators worked to determine the cause of the motorcycle crash that seriously injured her more than a week ago.

"She is still in serious, but stable condition," said Rick Plummer, University Medical Center spokesman. "We're still monitoring her."

Hutton most likely will remain in the Intensive Care Unit throughout her stay at the hospital because it is secure, Plummer said.

"I don't see us moving her out into the general population," he said.

Hutton, 55, suffered multiple fractures in one leg, a broken wrist and cuts and scrapes in the Oct. 21 crash on state Route 167 in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, about 25 miles east of Las Vegas.

Hutton underwent more than seven hours of reconstructive leg surgery Wednesday.

Doctors also are monitoring head injuries she suffered in the accident. Plummer would not say what type of head trauma Hutton sustained.

The National Park Service, which is investigating the accident, said the crash occurred when Hutton's red 650 BMW motorcycle "left the road on the right-hand side and appeared to travel several hundred feet before stopping." The motorcycle hit an embankment and became airborne, throwing Hutton off.

What caused Hutton, an experienced motorcycle rider, to lose control is unknown.

The Park Service investigation remains open until Hutton can be interviewed, though a preliminary incident report issued Monday provides some details of the crash.

There are no indications that speed, road conditions, mechanical failure or alcohol were factors in the crash, Park Service spokesman Bert Byers said.

Hutton was wearing a black full face helmet and protective leathers at the time, the Park Service said.

Emergency medical technicians traveling with the group administered first aid to Hutton, including stabilizing her head and neck and providing oxygen, the report said. Hutton never lost consciousness at the scene before a helicopter flew her to the hospital.

The motorcycle, which came to rest on the road, was heavily damaged, according to the Park Service.

Hutton, actors Dennis Hopper and Jeremy Irons and about 50 other celebrity members of the Guggenheim Motorcycle Club were riding in a 50 mph zone along the north side of Lake Mead just west of Echo Bay as part of a planned 100-mile trip across southern Nevada.