Steelers Update Coach's Condition

The Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday released an update on running backs Coach Kirby Wilson’s condition on behalf of the coach's family.

when an early-morning fire broke out in his townhouse in Seven Fields, Butler County. He was flown by medical helicopter to UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh, where he remains in critical condition in the hospital's Trauma Burn Center.

"In addition to burns sustained over 45 percent of his body, he has suffered a smoke inhalation injury and will require multiple operative procedures in the future," the Steelers statement said.  

An answer to what caused the fire at Wilson’s home also may soon be on the way.

Fire Marshal Luke Nelson of the state police barracks in Butler confirmed the fire started in Wilson’s kitchen. Investigators have been delayed, however, in determining an official cause for the fire because they been unable to speak with Wilson.

 “A lot rides on that,” Nelson said. “We have some questions that weren’t readily apparent by just looking at the scene. There was a lot of damage.”

Nelson said he hopes to be able to speak soon with Wilson. He added the fire has been ruled accidental.

“Nothing about the fire is suspicious. Everything appears accidental,” he said. “It’s just a matter of what the accident was.”

Neighbors who were able to rouse Wilson from his burning home by repeatedly banging on the door said the coach had burns on his legs, arms and the top of his head. He also was wheezing from smoke inhalation when he answered the door.

Wilson, who is a father of five, joined the Steelers in 2007 after spending 19 years as a college and professional coach, according to his official team biography. He previously coached running backs for the Arizona Cardinals (2004-06) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-03), where he also worked with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

This story originally appeared on Cranberry Patch