Trace Christenson

Battle Creek Enquirer

A former European professional basketball player who now lives in Battle Creek was injured by the terrorist bombing at the Brussels airport Tuesday morning.

Sebastien Bellin, 38, was preparing to return to the United States when he was injured in the blast at the airport terminal, his mother-in-law, Pat Oldham of Battle Creek, said Tuesday.

Bellin's wife, the former Sara Schimmel, 39, who he married in Battle Creek in 2002, and their two daughters, 7 and 4, moved to Battle Creek in July after living in Europe for 14 years, Oldham said.

Bellin has retired from basketball and worked for a European company, Keemotion, for two years. He often travels to Europe on business. He was expected to arrive in Battle Creek on Thursday.

But the blast early Tuesday knocked Bellin 20 meters, or more than 65 feet, from where he was standing at a ticket counter.

He was unconscious and suffered a fractured leg and debris in his hip, Oldham said.

Her husband, Richard, spoke to doctors and to Bellin Tuesday.

"The doctor said he was doing well in recovery and doing fine and then my husband spoke to Seb and he was in good spirits and happy to be alive."

Bellin, who is 6-foot-9, told family members another, unidentified man, lifted him and carried him to a safer place after the blast.

"He is is certainly grateful for that help and comfort."

Oldham said he underwent surgery for the fractured leg and will have more surgery in a couple of days to remove the debris from his hip.

"He is expected to make a full recovery and he is in good spirits and looking forward to coming back and seeing his family," she said.

Oldham said her daughter is doing well.

"It is quite an emotional time for her but she is handling things."

Contact Trace Christenson at 269-966-0685 or tchrist@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter: @TSChristenson