Michael Schumacher's Stolen 'Medical Data' for Sale
Michael Schumacher's manager announced that the medical documents of Michael Schumacher have been stolen and offered for sale to the media. It is said that the files have been stolen from the hospital in Grenoble where he was admitted.
Six months ago, the ex-Formula One champion sustained injuries that were life-threatening during a skiing accident on the French Alpine resort of Meribel. He was moved, after it was announced last week that he is out of coma, from Grenoble to the University Hospital Lausanne in France.
Reportedly, the medical data are being offered at €50,000 (£40,000). These data supposedly contain details of the surgical procedures that Schumacher went through. He had undergone two major surgeries to remove life-threatening blood clots. It is said that he has been having short moments of consciousness.
The ex-champion's manager, Sabine Kehm, said, "Stolen documents and data had been offered for sale for several days. We cannot judge if these documents are authentic. However, the documents are clearly stolen. The theft has been reported. The authorities are involved. We expressly advise that both the purchase and the publication of such documents and data is forbidden. The contents of any medical files are totally private and confidential and must not made available to the public. We will therefore, in every single case, press for criminal charges and damages against any publication of the content or reference to the medical file."
The investigators looking into the accident have said that Schumacher had been going at the speed of "a very good skier" at the time of his crash in the resort of Meribel. His accident involved him falling off and hitting a rock.
The 45-year-old seven-time champion, born on January 3, 1969, retired after a 19-year career in 2012. He won two titles for Benetton, in 1994 and 1995, and then five continuous titles for Ferrari from 2000 to 2004. His first Grand Prix win was for Benetton in Belgium, 1992. His last Grand Prix win was in China in 2006. He has had 91 wins and 155 podium finishes.