Thurston County sheriff still in critical condition but improving, spokesman says

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Thurston County Sheriff John Snaza, injured in a motorcycle crash in Montana, is still in critical but stable condition, officials said Friday.

Undersheriff Tim Braniff said his condition is improving, but he is still being assisted by a ventilator.  He is able to move some of his extremities, including his legs. He is not yet talking.

Snaza has a punctured lung, a lacerated kidney, a broken left arm and a damaged right hand. He underwent a successful surgery Wednesday to fuse a bone in his neck.

Braniff said he can move some extremities, but hasn't yet talked.

Snaza suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash in Sanders County, Montana, on Tuesday while he was off duty. Snaza underwent surgery Wednesday to fuse a bone in his neck, the sheriff's office said.

The crash is being investigated by the Montana State Patrol.

"He has a long road to recovery," Braniff said. "But that recovery is being aided by the amount of support shown to him."

The office said Snaza's family has asked that the Thurston County Sheriff's Office be the point of contact for any cards, flowers, or well wishes. Please send to Thurston County Sheriff's Office at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502.