'Biggest Loser's' Sam Poueu 'Healing' After Falling Down Fire Escape Ladder

The family and fiancee of Biggest Loser contestant Sam Poueu say he is "on the healing mend" after falling several stories from a building on Sept. 3.

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Poueu went to a friend's rooftop, and the door locked behind him. He then "attempted to climb down the fire escape ladder to drop down into the fourth floor balcony and slipped," say his family and fiancee Stephanie Anderson -- also a ninth season contestant -- in a joint statement to People magazine. "The San Francisco Fire Department responded within minutes thanks to a neighbor's immediate call."

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Poueu "suffered many serious internal injuries and a trauma to the right side of his head," the statement continues. "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."

TMZ reported he suffered a pelvic injury, torn ligaments, a punctured lung and a broken leg, and was in critical condition.

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"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 will," the statement read. "We are thankful for the miracles we have already witnessed in his recovery and are thankful for the dedicated medical personnel attending to him."

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"Thank you again for all your prayers," the families also say. "Although he is in wonderful hands, we ask for your continued prayers and understanding as Sam and our families get through this difficult time. Praise God for our fighter Sam.. We want to thank everyone for all of your prayers, thoughts, well wishes and support during this difficult time."

They have set up a trust fund to raise money to cover the former security guard's  medical costs. He started the show at 372 lbs, and reached his goal weight of 238 lbs; he'd been working as a trainer at the Biggest Loser Fitness Ridge Resort in Malibu, People reports.

He planned to marry Anderson, a senior account executive at CBS Radio, in spring 2012. He memorably proposed during a Biggest Loser special last October.