MARBLEHEAD — Frostbite victim Bennett Barber has been moved from Massachusetts General Hospital to Shriners Hospital, according to a hospital-sponsored Web site started by his parents, David and Marianne Barber.
"It was an up-and-down day on many levels yesterday," his family reported on Monday, "physically, emotionally and logistically." They described the move, settling in and the teen's courage in dealing with the pain.
The family did not return a phone call from The Salem News.
The Web report, however, seemed hopeful, offering signs of progress for the Marblehead High student, who in the early hours of New Year's Day apparently passed out on his way home from a party in weather that hovered near 0 degrees, with 30 mph winds. He was eventually discovered at the side of the road on Power Terrace by police and fire rescuers who followed footsteps in the snow and used thermal imaging equipment to locate him.
An earlier report listed frostbite in Barber's fingers and toes. Shriners Hospital is known for its treatment of burns, an injury similar to frostbite.
"He knows this stop is one step closer to getting home," a Web site update said.
"Everyone is just really relieved that he is recovering," School Committee Chairwoman Amy Drinker said yesterday. "We're standing by to help the family in any way we can. ... He's a well-liked kid at the high schools. He's on the hockey team. We all send our thoughts for a full recovery."
Dozens of friends offered their support via the Web site, including Drinker. "Ben," wrote one, "you are in our thoughts and prayers every day and we wish you a speedy recovery.
A visit from his hockey teammates lifted Barber's spirits. "They brought him the signed game puck from the Swampscott hockey game (great job boys!)," said the family's update.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident, interviewing those who attended the party on Stone Terrace, according to Chief Robert Picariello.
Police did not test Barber for alcohol or other intoxicants.
"It was a medical call," the chief said.
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