'Fighting everyday': Surfing legend Sunny Garcia out of coma
Surfing legend Sunny Garcia has woken from a coma, five months after he was found unconscious in his home in Portland.
The former World Surfing League champion reportedly had attempted to take his own life in April.
News of Garcia making steps in his recovery was shared on Instagram by his daughter, Kaila.
BEAUTIFUL: Sally Fitzgibbons reveals incredible gesture from Sunny Garcia
Garcia, 49, has been able to say a few words to his family, but would have a long road of recovery and rehabilitation ahead of him, Kaila said.
“We are taking one day at a time and celebrating each little triumph,” she wrote on Instagram.
“My dad is a warrior and fighting everyday to get better and stronger.
“He has said a few words and is now in therapy daily- physical, speech and occupational.
“My family and I thank you for your continued support for my dad as he continues to heal. It’s going to be a marathon not a sprint but we work every day to make sure he is surrounded with love, laughter and ohana.”
A close friend of the Garcia family, Janae Twisselman, also appeared on Hawaiian radio station KHON2 to discuss Garcia’s recovery.
Garcia had spoken many times about battling depression after his standout surfing career came to a close.
“With the family members, he’s paying attention to voices,” Twisselman said.
“He can follow people’s faces. He’s moving his head. He’s speaking a few words.”
Garcia family still fighting as fans raise money
A GoFundMe set up for the surfing star raised $30,000 in two days, with a stated goal of $150,000.
By the time Garcia emerged from his coma, the total had ballooned to $130,000.
“We are praying for a miracle!” the page read.
Garcia’s crowning glory came when he won the world surfing title in 2000.
He also won the triple crown of surfing – three events in Hawaii at the end of the year – six times.
He was the second surfer to win more than US$1 million in prize money.
Garcia was inducted into surfing’s walk of fame in 2010 and has worked with charities for autism and cystic fibrosis since his retirement.