Former "Biggest Loser" contestant Sam Poueu is "on the healing mend," according to a statement given to People magazine.
Poueu fell from a building on Sept. 3 after leaving a friend's birthday dinner and sustained "serious internal injuries and a trauma to the right side of his head," according to the statement, which came from his family and the family of his fiancée, Stephanie Anderson (both were ninth season contestants).
The statement continues, "Sam has made positive and encouraging strides since his accident. Since being admitted to the hospital, Sam has stayed strong through three surgeries. To date, many of his internal injuries are on the healing mend."
Poueu's accident occurred after he was unintentionally locked on top of the roof of a friend's apartment building. He "attempted to climb down the fire escape ladder to drop down into the fourth floor balcony and slipped," reports the statement. "The San Francisco Fire Department responded within minutes thanks to a neighbor's immediate call."
Former security guard Poueu, 25, went from 372 lbs. to 238 lbs. on "Biggest Loser" and has been employed at the Biggest Loser Fitness Ridge Resort in Malibu, Calif. He proposed to the 31-year old Anderson, a senior account executive at CBS radio, during filming of the show; the couple plan to marry next spring.
The families say he's not out of the woods yet. "He still has a long road ahead and is already a true testament to the power of prayer.," the statement read. "Our faith remains that God will heal him completely according to His will. We are thankful for the miracles we have already witnessed in his recovery and are thankful for the dedicated medical personnel attending to him."
A trust fund is now in place to assist in Poueu's recovery, but fans can now send their good thoughts to Poueu directly; the statement says, "Please send well wishes, cards, etc. to: Poueu Family, PO Box 214, Cotati, CA 94931."
"Thank you again for all your prayers," the families say. "Although he is in wonderful hands, we ask for your continued prayers and understanding as Sam and our families get through this difficult time. Praise God for our fighter Sam."
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