After over two weeks in a medically induced coma, BMX pro Brett Banasiewicz regained consciousness on Friday afternoon. Bansiewicz was weaned off of sedation last week following a crash in Virginia Beach on August 23, and had remained in a semi-conscious state since.
At approximately 2 p.m. ET, Banasiewicz, 17, opened his eyes on his own. Trish Bare Grounds, of Bare Essentials Sports Medicine, relayed the information via email. "He's awake! Brett Banasiewicz is awake!"
He had been unconscious for 15 days.
Almost immediately, the news spread via Twitter, with Brett's supporters all breathing a collective sigh of relief. Professional golfer and friend of Banasiewicz Rickie Fowler, who has been following Brett's progress since the crash, tweeted "Finally!! Good news."
Banasiewicz crashed during practice on a 720 at the LXVI BMX Invitational presented by Vans in Virginia Beach, Va. He was placed in a medically induced coma to control bleeding and swelling on his brain, but was weaned off sedation a week ago. He had not been able to fully wake up since being weaned off sedation, and had additionally been suffering from upper respiratory congestion and sinusitis in addition to a low grade fever brought on from a feeding tube, which has since been removed.
The DK Bicycles sponsored pro will remain in the Virginia Beach hospital for the time being, and eventually begin rehabilitation.
Yesterday, Brett's shop sponsor, Dan's Comp, released a charity shirt for their team rider, with all sales proceeds being donated to Brett's family for medical expenses and related costs.
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