Calgary bobsled-track crash survivors have long road ahead

A thumbs-up and a squeeze of the hand. Those simple gestures from Caleb Hettinga's hospital bed offer hope to his friends, family and church community.

The teen is the most seriously injured of the six survivors of a tobogganing crash on the bobsled track at Canada Olympic Park Saturday morning. David Carr also survived, whiletwins Evan and Jordan Caldwelldied on the track.

Hettingasuffered severe trauma to his head and face including the loss of an eye and has a long road ahead, according to Pastor Quinn Davis in his sermon at theRocky Mountain Calvary Church.

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In his Sunday sermon, Davis said Hettinga has already undergone several surgeries and has more ahead.

Davis said he visited the teen on Sunday morning, and though he can't speak Hettingasqueezed Davis' hand and gave him a thumbs-up gesture.

Five of the eight teens involved attended the Calvary Church, including the Caldwell twins.

'We areso grateful for DannySpalding'

Survivor Danny Spalding helped flag security officers who were able to call 911 after the crash.

His cousinMatthew Kesslersays Spalding is likely still in shock from the experience.

"I mean we've all been through some bad experiences, but this has got to beI mean to be covered in your friends blood, watch them die...horribly traumatizing. We're all just trying to give him space and time to come into the realization," said Kessler.

On Sunday, Spaldingwas able to attend the service at his churchwhere he was hailed as a hero by Davis.

"We are so grateful for Danny Spalding, so thankful for his quick response, for his due care and attention in helping to facilitate the events that would follow this tragic accident," said Davis.

Carr, a Grade 12 student at William Aberhart High School, isdoing "extraordinarily well,"according to Davis.

Medical staff were initially worried about brain damage but he's since been cleared of that, saidthe pastor. Carr will have some facial scarsand has therapy ahead.

Mark Lyons has been identified as another victim and his condition is unknown.

A funeral has been planned for the Caldwell twins on Thursday at 1p.m. at the Centre Street Church. The public is welcome.