Michael Schumacher: Former Formula One world champion 'in coma' after suffering head injury while skiing

Fans of the retired seven times Formula One racing champion, Michael Schumacher are praying for a strong recovery after reports swirled the news that he is now in a hospital in a coma.

According to Independent, Schumacher hit his head on a rock while skiing in the French Alps.

Schumacher who is 44, who had probably died if he had not worn an helmet. He suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, and is in "critical condition" which has now worsen. According to his former manager, Sabine Kehm told the Associated Press:

"We ask for understanding that we cannot give running updates on his condition. He wore a helmet and was not alone."

A friend of Schumacher's, French orthopedic and trauma surgeon Gerard Saillant has flown from Paris to take over the racers treatment.

Grenoble made a statement from the university hospital, saying that Schumacher was "in a coma" when he arrived there on Sunday afternoon. "He was suffering from a serious head trauma and was in a coma, necessitating immediate brain surgery," the hospital also stated.

Schumacher's accident occurred while he was with his 14-year-old son and friends at Meribel, where he is a owner of a chalet. His 45th birthday is on Friday.

Schumacher who is German, retired from Formula One for the second time last year. He currently lives in Switzerland with his wife, Corinna Betsch whom he married in 1995, and his two children, Gina-Maria Schumacher, and Mick Schumacher.