Utah State basketball player gives a thumbs-up while surrounded by his family in his hospital bed at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. The photo, posted to Facebook by his sister Lauren Berger, was the first time many of the public have seen Berger since he collapsed at a Tuesday practice in Logan and had to be hospitalized. Courtesy Utah State University

USU player Danny Berger improving, leaves intensive care

Photo of Utah State basketball player giving thumbs-up circulates the Internet.

By KYle Goon

| The Salt Lake Tribune

First Published Dec 06 2012 05:43 pm • Last Updated Apr 08 2013 11:32 pm

The public got their first glimpse of Utah State basketball player Danny Berger since the Tuesday collapse that sent him to the hospital: a picture of the 22-year-old forward surrounded by his family.

In the photo, he’s lying back in his bed, holding his jersey and giving well-wishers a reason for optimism: a thumbs-up sign.

The photo made rounds on Twitter on Thursday afternoon after Berger’s sister, Lauren Berger, posted it on Facebook, giving hope to Aggies fans and others who have been worried about Berger.

The picture was accompanied by good news that the junior has been transferred out of the Intensive Care Unit at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, said hospital spokesman Jason Carlton.

His condition has been upgraded to fair, and a school news release said he had moved into the cardiovascular unit. Berger was listed in critical condition for two days following a shocking collapse at a Tuesday practice in Logan. His breathing and heart stopped, but he was revived by athletic trainer Mike Williams, who shocked him with a defibrillator.

The Berger family and university officials had released statements that pointed to encouraging signs in his recovery: He had been awake, talking and responding to doctors’ instructions.

Carlton said there is not yet any information on what caused the episode, nor is there any available timetable for Berger leaving the hospital.

Utah State coaches and players were unavailable for comment. The Aggies (4-1) host Western Oregon on Saturday.

kgoon@sltrib.com

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