MIKE BUTLER A Mariposa man who has spent the majority of his life hang gliding has been seriously injured doing the thing he loved most. Mike Butler, long-time owner of Butler Automotive, crashed his glider on June 10 in Yosemite National Park.

According to his son, Elijah, Butler was hang gliding with two other pilots on a less than ideal day. Winds were sporadic and the meadow where the trio was to land was flooded. The two other pilots landed safely and were videotaping Butler’s landing when the crash happened.

Yosemite National Park officials said that Butler was attempting to land in Leidig Meadow when he nose dived, breaking his equipment and his back. Yosemite spokesperson Kari Cobb said that emergency responders took Butler to the clinic in the Valley before he was transported to a Modesto hospital. He was able to walk in spite of his back injuries.

MIKE BUTLER HANG GLIDES NEAR GLACIER POINT IN THIS PHOTO. THE EXPERIENCED GLIDER PILOT CRASHED ON JUNE 10, SERIOUSLY INJURING HIMSELF. Elijah said his father shattered a vetebrae in his upper back and also has some lower back breakage. He does have feeling and movement in his extremities, however.

Butler took a turn for the worse on Monday however. Elijah said he had a reaction to some of the medication and had to be sedated and intubated. The family is requesting that no one call or visit until his condition improves. Until then, they are accepting emails, which they are reading to Mike. The email address is mbutler@sti.net.

They are also planning a benefit event July 24, and volunteers are needed. Anyone interested in volunteering can call Elijah at (805) 260-3978.

“We’re asking for prayers and support,” Elijah said on Monday. “Please keep him in your thoughts.”