Kansas University Associate Vice Provost Richard Morrell remained in intensive care Monday in an Overland Park hospital, five days after suffering injuries in a Christmas Eve car collision.

“He’s stable but critical,” said Morrell’s wife, Kerry Morrell. “Everyone should keep saying their prayers.”

Morrell suffered a ruptured spleen and three broken ribs Wednesday night when his Nissan was broadsided on 27th Street by an Oldsmobile Bravada driven by William P. Moore IV of Lawrence.

According to the accident report, Moore was traveling south on Iowa Street when his vehicle crossed over the northbound lanes of traffic and went onto 27th Street.

Once on 27th Street, the sport utility vehicle crossed two more lanes of traffic, jumped the median and struck the side of a 1987 Nissan Maxima carrying Richard and Kerry Morrell, who were traveling east on 27th.

The Morrells were taken by helicopter to Overland Park Regional Medical Center, while Moore was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Richard Morrell was sent to intensive care, where he remains heavily sedated, while Kerry Morrell and Moore were both treated and released the night of the accident.

Sgt. Mike Pattrick of the Lawrence Police Department said the wreck was still under investigation by the department’s accident unit and a cause was not yet known.

Reached Monday at her home, Kerry Morrell said she was optimistic that her husband would be upgraded out of intensive care within the next few weeks and then return to normal activities.

6News video: Associate vice provost in critical, yet stable, condition

“I told the doctors that he runs three miles a day, every day,” Kerry Morrell said. “And they told me that he should be able to return to doing that, but it will take time.”

Marlesa Roney, vice provost in KU’s Office of Student Success, has visited her co-worker in the hospital several times since Christmas Eve.

“At this point, we’re just trying to support the family and let them know that we’re there for them,” Roney said. “He is such an incredible person. We’re wishing him a speedy recovery.”

Roney said Morrell’s injuries would probably keep him away from the office for most — if not all — of the upcoming spring semester, but she said she was looking forward to his return in the summer.