Former Coventry Bees rider in coma after being shot in the head

A former Coventry Bees rider has been left in a coma after suffering gunshot wounds to his head.



Kenni Larsen, who rode for the Bees in 2011 and 2012, was involved in an reported incident with his mechanics in his homeland of Denmark on Thursday, his club Zielona Gora have confirmed.

The member of Larsen’s team believed to be involved in the incident was arrested by the police as the 27-year-old was rushed to hospital.

Fyn Police confirmed that a male underwent emergency surgery at Odense University Hospital following an incident in Holkebjergvej in south-west Odense.

Zielona Gora’s statement read: “On Thursday, there was an accident involving Kenny Larsen and his mechanics.

“As a result of the events the player has a gunshot wound of the head and was introduced by the doctors in the state of pharmacological coma.

“Details of the incident are not yet known.

“At the present moment it is known that the mechanic was arrested by the police.

“The state of the player will be informed on a regular basis.”

Larsen had signed for major Polish club Zielona Gora earlier this year but is yet to ride a meeting during the 2016 season.

He began his British speedway career with the Newcastle Diamonds in 2008, where he won the Premier League, Premier Trophy and Premier League Knockout Cup in 2010.

The Dane’s impressive form saw him snapped up to ride for the Coventry Bees in the Elite League for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

He then went on to ride for the Peterborough Panthers in 2013 before focusing on his speedway career away from the United Kingdom.

Former Coventry Bees rider allowed home after waking from coma

Former Coventry Bees racer Kenni Larsen has finally been allowed home after waking from a coma two weeks ago.

The champion racer had to undergo emergency surgery in his native Denmark following an accident involving an air rifle.

The 27-year-old was admitted to Odense University Hospital on April 19 where he has since been fighting for his life.

He has had two surgeries - one to remove the air gun pellet and another to relieve a build-up of fluid on his brain.

Larsen, who rode for the Bees in 2011 and 2012, eventually woke from his coma last week and is making improvements every day.

His family have released a statement updating fans on his recovery and thanking them for their support.

It read: “Kenni is on leave from the hospital, so he could spend the weekend at home.

“He won’t be able to answer all of your wonderful messages and posts, but he wants me to tell you all, the your support has him overwhelmed.

“He needs a lot of rest and sleeps a lot. Next week he is going to start his rehabilitation.”