Mystery Solved: Here's How Biggest Loser's Sam Poueu Fell Off Roof

Details emerge regarding the terrible mishap that saw the reality star tumble off a San Francisco building

By Josh Grossberg Sep 12, 2011 3:16 PMTags
Sam Poueu, Stephanie AndersonFrazer Harrison/Getty Images

We now know more about the slip that nearly cost Sam Poueu his life.

The Biggest Loser alum found himself accidentally locked out on the rooftop of a friend's apartment and tried to climb down a fire-escape ladder when he lost his footing and plummeted several stories, ending up in the hospital in critical condition.

Here's what happened.

Poueu's family and Stephanie Anderson, his fiancée and fellow season-nine contestant on the NBC hit series, told People that the devastating fall occurred on Sept. 3 in San Francisco. After attending a buddy's birthday dinner, Poueu decided to head up to the rooftop of another friend's apartment when the door locked behind him.

Trapped on the roof, Poueu made a fateful decision.

"[He] attempted to climb down the fire escape ladder to drop down into the fourth floor balcony and slipped," his family and Anderson said in a statement. "The San Francisco Fire Department responded within minutes thans to a neighbor's immediate call."

The popular reality star sustained severe injuries to his head and pelvis, torn ligaments, a punctured lung and a broken leg, but remained conscious.

Poueu "suffered many serious internal injuries and a trauma to the right side of his head," the statement continued. "Sam has made positive and encouraging strides since his accident. Since being admitted to the hospital, Sam has stayed strong through three surgeries. To date, many of his internal injuries are on the healing mend.

"He still has a long road ahead and is already a true testament to the power of prayer. Our faith remains that God will heal him completely according to his His will. We are thankful for the miracles we have already witnessed in his recovery and are thankful for the dedicated medical personnel attending to him."

After becoming fast friends and working out together during their stint on the weight-loss competition series, Poueu, a 25-year-old former security guard, and Anderson, a 31-year-old senior account executive with CBS Radio, fell in love and began dating. While their romance wasn't chronicled on the show, their engagement was after Sam popped the question during taping of a Biggest Loser special last October.

The pair hope to wed next spring once Poueu's fully recovered. To aid him along that path, Poueu's and Anderson's families have set up a trust fund.

"Thank you to all who have asked to send donations to help Sam with his needs, as this will be a long road to full recovery," wrote Anderson on her Facebook page. "We appreciate any and all financial help you can give and we thank you for your continued prayers, thoughts, well wishes and support during this difficult time."