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Cowboys Assistant Paralyzed After Facility Collapse

Posted: 8:05 pm EDT May 3, 2009

(Sports Network) - Dallas Cowboys scouting assistant Rich Behm suffered permanent paralysis from the waist down after being injured Saturday, when the team's indoor practice facility collapsed during a thunderstorm.

The Cowboys released information Sunday on three staff members who remained hospitalized following the accident.

The team said Behm sustained a fracture of the thoracic spine, which caused a severing of the spinal cord and permanent paralysis from the waist down. Behm underwent surgery to repair the fracture Saturday night and is in stable condition.

"To the Behm family we extend our love, comfort, and the full support of every person and resource within the organization. Rich is a courageous member of our family and someone for whom we care deeply," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement.

Additionally, special teams coach Joe DeCamillis sustained a fracture of one of his cervical vertebrae and is in stable condition. He is scheduled to undergo surgery Monday.

"As we share concern for everyone who was touched by this accident, we also extend our heartfelt and best wishes to Coach Joe DeCamillis and his family as they prepare for Joe's surgery tomorrow," Jones said.

Assistant athletic trainer Greg Gaither suffered a fracture to the tibia and fibula in his right leg. Gaither had surgery Saturday night and is expected to be released later this week.

"We are grateful that Greg Gaither's surgery was successful, and we feel blessed that others involved were able to walk away from this accident after receiving medical attention yesterday afternoon," Jones said.

All three were among the 10 total Cowboys staff members taken to area hospitals after the accident. There were two additional hospital walk-ins.

The injuries were caused by the collapse of the bubble roof of the Valley Ranch facility. About 30 minutes into the second practice of the day, at around 3:25 p.m. (ct), the roof and light fixtures began to shake under violent wind gusts.

Only moments later the roof, which was supported by steel frames, collapsed. About 70 people were inside, including 27 players.

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