An 8-year-old Blaine County boy who was injured in a vehicle-versus-bicycle accident on April 26 remains in intensive care at a Boise hospital but his father said Tuesday that his son is slowly recovering.
“He’s a little better every day,” said Adan Hernandez about his son Bryan Hernandez. Adan Hernandez said he’s “feeling better” about his son’s recovery but earlier he was afraid the boy was going to die.
Adan Hernandez also said in an interview that his son is now conscious and no longer in a coma.
The Idaho Mountain Express incorrectly reported in its May 3 edition that Bryan Hernandez had been released from Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise the evening of the accident. Instead, he was taken to St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center and has remained there since.
The accident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. at the Country Chalet trailer court south of Ketchum. The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office earlier reported that Bryan Hernandez was riding a bicycle when he was struck by 1997 Ford Expedition driven by Jessica Salinas, 19, a resident of the trailer court.
Family friend John Lazo reported in an email to the Express that Bryan Hernandez suffered broken ribs, a severe arm injury, punctured lungs and damage to internal organs.
Hemingway Elementary School and the Hispanic community in the Wood River Valley are organizing several fundraisers to help the Hernandez family with medical expenses.
Xochilt Calvo reported in an email that residents of Country Chalet have organized a raffle with a drawing to be held on May 12 with various prizes to be awarded. Tickets are $3 each and available from Country Chalet residents. For more information, contact Calvo at xochian_85@hotmail.com.
Hemingway Elementary School is organizing a tamale sale and a raffle. For more information, contact Maria Laura Roldan at 578-5050, ext. 2554.
Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com