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'Miracles do happen!' Eugene pilot heading home 7 months after plane crash


{p}"Miracles do happen! Nearly 7 months ago to the day, beloved community member Bob Cross survived a plane crash as he was approaching his landing at the Eugene Airport. With the skilled ICU team, orthopedic surgeons, and therapists at Peace Health Medical Center he was stabilized for a month, before his 6-month journey of rehabilitation with stops in Denver, Colorado and most recently Omaha, Nebraska," his family said in a statement. (Courtesy family of Bob Cross){/p}

"Miracles do happen! Nearly 7 months ago to the day, beloved community member Bob Cross survived a plane crash as he was approaching his landing at the Eugene Airport. With the skilled ICU team, orthopedic surgeons, and therapists at Peace Health Medical Center he was stabilized for a month, before his 6-month journey of rehabilitation with stops in Denver, Colorado and most recently Omaha, Nebraska," his family said in a statement. (Courtesy family of Bob Cross)

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EUGENE, Ore. - A Eugene pilot who suffered "multiple life-threatening injuries" when his plane crashed in a field north of the Eugene Airport in May will be home for Christmas, his family says.

"Miracles do happen! Nearly 7 months ago to the day, beloved community member Bob Cross survived a plane crash as he was approaching his landing at the Eugene Airport. With the skilled ICU team, orthopedic surgeons, and therapists at Peace Health Medical Center he was stabilized for a month, before his 6-month journey of rehabilitation with stops in Denver, Colorado and most recently Omaha, Nebraska," his family said in a statement.

Cross grew up in Eugene and graduated Churchill High School.

"In addition to being a seasoned and experienced pilot, he is the President of Lee Built Construction, a member of the University Fellowship Church and known to many in the Eugene community as a long-standing and founding member and vocalist of The Emerald City Jazz Kings," his family said.

The statement continues:

That day, 7-months ago Bob, his wife Michelle and their 4 children Lexi, Ellie, James, and Ethan walked out of their normal lives on a quest to save and restore their dear husband and father. After months of therapy at amazing facilities across the country, “He’ll Be Home for Christmas” and reunited with his extended family, friends, and community.

Although Bob still has a long road ahead, he and his family are thrilled to be home for the holidays and back in Eugene.
Without the skilled teams of professionals, prayers, and Bob’s fight and tenacity it may be a different story. He has worked tirelessly every day to return to health and to return as the leader of his family. Bob is a miracle! He is walking, talking, playing cards and still has his quick wit. He looks forward to continuing his journey of rehabilitation and orthopedic surgeries in his hometown of Eugene. Although his life will be a bit different, it will be full and overflowing with love, new adventures, and discovery as he continues to work on improving his physical and cognitive health.
The Cross family is grateful every day for the gift of Bob and for his future and to this amazing community for their love, notes of support and encouragement and prayers every day these past 7-months. #LetsGoBob

The crash Thursday, May 20, 2021, remains under investigation by aviation authorites.

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