**updated as of 4 p.m., Aug. 3**

All media requests will be handled through the SMSU Athletic Communications Office.  Please contact Kelly Loft at 507-537-7177 or 507-476-8191.  SMSU Athletics will provide updates when made available.

Drake Bigler funeral service announced

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On Thursday, Aug. 2, Brad Bigler's surgeon gave another update:

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The surgeon for Southwest Minnesota State University head men's basketball coach Brad Bigler, issued a statement on Thursday morning concerning Bigler's status at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls.

"Brad's recovery is moving in the right direction and he continues to improve," said surgeon Dr. Michael Bauer.  "Rest continues to be an important part of the healing process and will help speed up his recovery."  Bauer also stated that Sharon Schuler, Heather Bigler's grandmother, continues to improve as well and is making solid progress.

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Aug. 2

The Southwest Minnesota State University athletics department, on behalf of the Bigler family, has established the “Drake Philip Bigler Memorial Fund”, through the SMSU Foundation Office. 

Individuals wishing to make a donation for the “Drake Philip Bigler Memorial Fund” should send checks payable to the SMSU Foundation and please include a note stating that your gift is in memory of Drake Bigler.  

All donations can be sent to:

SMSU Department of Athletics
Attn: Drake Philip Bigler Memorial Fund
1501 State Street
Marshall, MN 56258

For more information, please contact SMSU Director of Athletics Chris Hmielewski at 507-537-7984

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On Thursday morning, Aug. 2, SMSU head men's basketball coach Brad Bigler wrote a message on his Facebook page.

"My goal is to walk 4 times today! Each day they have taken cords off me. Hopefully I can get off oxygen today and get this tube out of my chest tomorrow. Had a rough night Tuesday but bounced back last night. The staff at the hospital has been great. I think Grandma Sharon has been keeping them busy too. Ha. She made them change her TV because the Olympics were fuzy! Grandma Sharon and I are having a competition to see who can have the first bowel movement. That is another big step in this process. :) "


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On Tuesday, July 31, Brad Bigler's surgeon gave an update:

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The surgeon for Southwest Minnesota State University head men's basketball coach Brad Bigler, issued a statement Tuesday afternoon concerning Bigler's status at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls.

“Brad is recovering well from his injuries and is making good progress,” said surgeon Dr. Michael Bauer.  “It's important that he be allowed to rest and regain his strength so that he can make a full recovery.”  Bauer also stated that Sharon Schuler, Heather Bigler's grandmother, is also doing well following surgery and will continue to improve.

Brad Bigler, his wife Heather, their 5-month-old son, Drake, and Heather's grandmother, Sharon Schuler, were involved in a two-car accident in Pope County near Starbuck, Minn., on Saturday night.

Bigler's 5-month-old son, Drake, did not survive the accident.

The SMSU athletics department, on behalf of the Bigler family, requests that all cards and letters of support be sent to:

SMSU Department of Athletics
Attn: Bigler Family
1501 State Street
Marshall, MN 56258

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Tuesday, July 31

Earlier on Tuesday morning, SMSU head men's basketball coach Brad Bigler wrote a message on his Facebook page. 

"With tears in my eyes I am truly humbled by the support our family has received. Thank you EVERYONE! Heather Bigler is a strong women. I love her so much and we will get thru this. We have been treated so well over here at Avera hospital in Sioux Falls. We have a long ways to go but we have started the healing process. All visitors are welcome. God Bless

Drake and Grandma Diane Bigler-Hagenow are angels above! Drake likes to be tickled on his neck Mom! =)  "

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Monday, July 30

--- Local television and newspaper stories on Coach Bigler and family
--- SMSU Director of Athletics Chris Hmielewski with Marshall Radio's Brandon Sheffield

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Sunday, July 29, Release
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Southwest Minnesota State University head men's basketball coach Brad Bigler and three family members were involved in a two-car accident in Pope County near Starbuck, Minn., on Saturday night.

Bigler's 5-month-old son, Drake, did not survive the accident.

Bigler, 33, is listed in stable condition as of Sunday afternoon at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.  He was flown from Alexandria, Minn., to Sioux Falls on Saturday night.

The Minnesota State Patrol said that a southbound car swerved into the northbound lane and struck Bigler's vehicle at 9:25 p.m.  Brad's wife, Heather, was driving the car and swerved in an attempt to avoid the oncoming car.  Sharon Schuler of Granite Falls, Minn., Heather Bigler's grandmother, is also admitted at Avera in Sioux Falls.

“With all the things the Bigler family went through last year with the passing of Brad's mom, to have another accident is truly tragic." SMSU Director of Athletics Chris Hmielewski said Sunday. "When tragedy hits the Mustang family, SMSU and the Marshall community always do a great job of giving the love and support that is needed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bigler family.”

Bigler's two other children, daughter, Taleigha and son, Nash, were not involved in the accident.

Bigler recently completed his third season as head coach at SMSU.  The Mustangs won 19 games last season, won the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the third time in school history.