David Blucher critically injured in mountain bike crash in Stromlo

A beloved Canberra grandfather who was left with critical injuries after a mountain bike crash has begun to recover in hospital as police begin their investigation into the incident.

David Blucher and his wife Julie. Picture: Ben Marden from Cobargo

Police are investigating a horrific collision between a cyclist and a sports photographer at the Stromlo mountain bike park which left a beloved Hawker grandad with critical injuries.

David Blucher was taking photographs of riders like he had been for more than a decade at the park along Old Duffy Descent park about 8.30am on December 31, 2022, when he was struck by another rider.

The retiree suffered catastrophic injuries included broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a broken neck and serious spinal trauma.

Mr Blucher was rushed to Canberra Hospital where, out of sheer luck, an experienced Sydney spinal specialist happened to be in the hospital to assist in the 76-year-old’s emergency surgery.

After a gruelling 12-hours, Mr Blucher was critical but stable, in and out of consciousness and breathing through his tube.

David Blucher in hospital. Picture: Facebook

ACT Policing were were seeking witnesses to the collision and would like to speak to anyone who was in the area or on the track at the time of the collision.

An ACT Policing spokesman said investigating officers had only received statements from Mr Blucher and his family but were aware there were several people in the area during the crash.

The spokesman said investigators were keen to interview these witnesses, with no other information available at this time.

Mr Blucher’s son Finn Blucher recalled the moment he dashed to Canberra while holidaying with his family after he was told of his father’s injuries.

David and Julie Blucher with their son Finn, his wife and their children. Picture: Ben Marden from Cobargo

His son said it was upsetting for him and his mum to see the Hawker grandad so severely injured.

In the weeks since the crash, Mr Blucher’s son said his father had “turned a corner” with his breathing tube removed, allowing him to speak again.

David Blucher. Picture: Contributed

Doctors say the Hawker grandad, who worked as a public servant for the better part of his life, has a long way to go after surgery as they’re not sure if he’ll walk or take photos again.

“Photography was a huge part of his life, he’s been doing mountain bike photography for 15 years,” Mr Blucher’s son said.

“He enjoyed the challenge of the photography as well as the community, making friends along the way.”

A GoFundMe has been created by avid cyclist Mic Longhurst to help the keen photographer while he recovers in Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney.

“He’s pretty well respected in the mountain bike community and gave up his time for us … it’s a sad situation and we just want to be able to help,” Mr Longhurst said.

You can donate here.

Anyone with any information that could assist police was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.