Injured Little Leaguer’s face swelling has increased, limiting his vision: Doctor

The Little League player who fractured his skull after falling from his bunk bed on Monday faces new challenges in his recovery, including swelling that could affect his vision.

According to an Instagram account set up to provide updates on Easton “Tank” Oliverson’s recovery, doctors told his parents that swelling in his 12-year-old face has increased.

“The swelling in his face has gone up, and the doctors have told his parents that it will get worse,” the post reads. “This has limited Easton’s ability to see, creating a unique challenge for him. While we have seen countless amount of miracles in Easton’s journey (and still are), he is still going to have hard moments like today.”

“Through it all, he still makes sure to tell everyone he talks to that he loves them. Instead of complaining, he chooses to express his love. That’s truly the kind of kid that Easton is, which is why we know he will come out of this with so much strength. Please keep praying for our buddy. We love you all!!”

The article stated that Oliverson, dressed in Mountain Region gear, was able to watch his team’s game against Tennessee’s Nolensville Little League from his hospital room on Friday.

“This was a very emotional afternoon for him,” the post stated.

Oliverson fractured his skull after falling from a bunk bed in the players’ dorm in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, early Monday morning. After winning a regional championship in California, his team, Utah’s Snow Canyon Little League, earned a trip to Williamsport.

In critical condition, the young athlete was airlifted to a children’s hospital. Doctors said he was only 30 minutes away from death, according to his father, who said he was “fighting for his life.” He had surgery and was put into a medically induced coma.

Oliverson has made remarkable progress toward recovery in the days since, as documented on the “miraclesfortank” Instagram account. He was no longer sedated by Wednesday, and on Thursday, he was moved out of the intensive care unit and was able to feed himself.

Along with the post, the family shared a video of Oliverson saying, “Hey, this is Easton. Thank you for the prayers.” He also added he is starting to feel better.

“We are so happy about this update, and can’t wait to have our boy a little closer to home,” the post said on Saturday afternoon.

The Little Leaguer has received an outpouring of love from people all over the country. Kevin Cash, the manager of the Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays, sent Oliverson a heartfelt message on Saturday.

“We’ve been keeping up with your progress and just want to let you know that you have fans that you have never met in Florida who are really rooting for you,” Cash said in an Instagram video posted to @miraclesfortank. “I remember how excited I was to have a chance to play in the Little League World Series. There’s something about baseball that brings people together. It’s like an extended family.”

“We’re here for each other to celebrate the wins and we encourage each other during challenging times. Tank, we are sending positive thoughts and well-wishes to you and the Snow Canyon Little League … Let’s do this for Tank.”

The post thanked the Rays for the message. “Thank you to the @raysbaseball for sending over this heartfelt message. The support means the world and more for Easton and his family!”