Injured Tour de Fair Haven Cyclist Remains in Jersey Shore Intensive Care

Since the moment the cyclist seriously injured in the Tour de Fair Haven race was flown by helicopter to Jersey Shore University Medical Center's Trauma Unit on Sunday morning, there has been an outpouring of concern and good wishes from the community.

Fair Haven Mayor Ben Lucarelli knows the Shrewsbury resident, Cole Porter, who he said is "one of the sweetest, kindest, most humble people you'll ever meet and an incredible tri-athelete.

"Everyone's thoughts are with him and his family right now for a swift recovery."

Porter has remained unconscious from the time he hit the pavement, face first, in what Lucarelli called a freak accident at 7:11 a.m. on the stretch of the tour's first race at the intersection of River Road and Locust Avenue.

While hospital staff could not offer an update on his condition on Monday, it was confirmed that he is still in the Intensive Care Unit; and, Lucarelli said that, to his knowledge, he is stable but still in critical condition.

"This is just a very difficult time for him and his family," Lucarelli said. "We're all just praying for the most positive of outcomes. We just have to wait and hope for the very best."

Lucarelli was in the first race, but in the back as more of a beginner in what he called a more ceremonial ride. "I was doing about 20 miles an hour," he said.

Porter, Lucarelli said, was up front in the race, where the stronger cyclists are usually placed. While gaining momentum to go uphill, Lucarelli said Porter was probably riding at a speed of about 30 to 35 miles per hour.

At the same time, cycling race official, Dan Donnelly, of Cycles 35 in Wall, ran out to the road to pick up a radio from the street that he was trying to toss into the lead car and missed and the two collided.

Donnelly was taken to Riverview Medical Center and held for observation. He was expected to be released today, Lucarelli said.

Porter, Lucarelli said, struck the pavement with his nose and orbital bones and suffered the head trauma that rendered him unconscious immediately.

"Fair Haven and Rumson First Aid squads were right there and they were just incredible," the mayor said. "They took great care of him. They're amazing people and Cole was in very good hands. I just can't say enough that the best of thoughts are going out to him and his family. He's been a friend to me and many others. He's just the kind of guy who you meet and like immediately."

Patch will provide updates when new information on Porter's condition becomes available. We wish him a successful, speedy recovery.