Dixie High lacrosse player Robbie Seaman returns to play after arm amputation

ST. GEORGE — Robbie Seaman was back doing what he loves to do Tuesday night at Walt Brooks Field, less than four months after he almost died in a utility terrain vehicle rollover crash in Warner Valley.

At the end of the third and fourth quarters of Dixie High School’s playoff win over Desert Hills, Seaman got to compete with his teammates on the lacrosse field in a game for the third time since the crash.

“It’s just amazing to be back on the field,” Seaman told St. George News after the win. “I’m surprised I even can be back on. It’s been a struggle, but it’s been amazing.”

As previously reported in St. George News, Seaman was with three friends riding in a UTV in Warner Valley on Jan. 21.

Family members said Seaman — a passenger — was injured severely when the vehicle rolled. He experienced several compound fractures to his right arm, multiple other fractures and lacerations.

Dixie junior Robbie Seaman (25) with teammates Jaxon Jensen (2) and Gabe Barkley (67) after a high school playoff lacrosse game against Desert Hills, St. George, Utah, May 7, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News

Seaman was flown to Las Vegas, Nevada, for emergency surgery. For a couple of harrowing days, it was unclear if he would survive the surgery.

He said the doctors did a remarkable job, but in the end, they did have to amputate.

“He literally went from being on his deathbed to being here,” Seaman’s mother, Wendy, told St. George News Tuesday night. “He does it for these guys. He lives for his team and coaches.”

Seaman said he’s been playing lacrosse for 12 or 13 years — most of his life.

“Every time I get out on the field, it just makes me happy,” he said. “My brother got us into the sport. After the first couple years, we loved it.”

Lacrosse is one of the few sports that can be played, if necessary, with only one arm. Stick skills like cradling, passing and catching can all be accomplished one-handed and ground balls can be collected as well.

The first two months of recovery were tough and long, Seaman said.

Dixie High School junior Robbie Seaman (25) congratulates a teammate in a high school playoff lacrosse game against Desert Hills, St. George, Utah, May 7, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News

A bright spot during recovery was getting to be a Golden Knight for a day. Seaman attended a Las Vegas Golden Knights NHL hockey game.

He said he did not get to meet any players, but he did meet the mascot, and that was cool.

Seaman has also been able to return to his other love, mountain biking. His bicycle gear switches and brake handles were adapted for left-hand use only and he uses a prosthetic that allows him to stay stabilized and ride the bike.

“I was just out riding today,” Seaman said.

Every time Seaman touched the ball, Dixie fans cheered and he was all smiles after the game.

“He’s had some amazing coaches and lots of people helping him,” his mother said. “He’s an inspiration.”

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