Cowan remains in Chattanooga hospital

Published 7:24 am Friday, July 1, 2011

Former Whitfield County commissioner Mike Cowan had “a setback” earlier this week that prevented him from being transferred to an Atlanta hospital to begin his rehabilitation from a May motorcycle wreck, his wife said Thursday.

Cowan, who served 14 years on the board of commissioners, remains in Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Selina Cowan said. Plans were for him to be moved to the Shepherd Center, which specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of people with spinal cord or brain injuries, and also conducts research.

Cowan was found “unconscious, but breathing” by a caller to Whitfield 911 just before 2 p.m. on May 9. He suffered trauma to his brain and internal organs. The one-vehicle wreck was on Tilton Bridge Road in south Whitfield County. Cowan was airlifted to Erlanger. Officials still do not know what caused the wreck. Family members say he was in the area to look at a job site.

There will be a blood drive on his behalf on Wednesday, July 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Crosspointe Christian Centre. For information or to schedule a time to donate blood, call the church at (706) 278-2649 or Steve Champion at (706) 581-3448.