A young footballer who was left fighting for his life after a terrible accident in which his teammate was killed has been released from hospital.
Tyler Rowe, 18, was one of four passengers in a Toyota Hilux when the vehicle overturned and collided with a Jeep SUV in North Lake, south of Perth, shortly before midnight on July 13.
The group was celebrating the 18th birthday of teammate Nick Campo, who died at the scene.
Mr Rowe was taken to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition. He remained in a coma in intensive care for nine days. On 24 July, sedation was reduced and he was allowed to open his eyes.
He has since been released from hospital, PerthNow reports.
On August 8, Mr Rowe changed his Facebook profile picture to a photo of his deceased buddy, with the caption “Rip Campo.”
A GoFundMe campaign recently launched to cover Mr. Rowe’s medical bills has closed after raising a whopping $83,306.
“The Rowe family would like to express our gratitude to each of you for the donations you have received,” an earlier update on the page said.
Tyler Rowe is now recovering at home from his serious injuries in a terrible accident
Rowe also recently paid tribute to his late teammate Nick Campo, who died in the crash
Both boys played for the South Fremantle Colts Football Club, who wore black armbands for Nick in the first game after the crash.
The team stood face to face with opponents Subiaco Lions before the match to observe a minute’s silence, while the scoreboard at the stadium read ‘RIP Nick Campo’.
The 17-year-old driver of the Hilux appeared in Perth Children’s Court from his hospital bed last Monday charged with multiple dangerous driving offences.
Campo’s heartbroken mother Bianca has called on Australians to be more aware of road safety through the ‘Call out for Nick’ campaign.
“This pain is unbearable and if we can save even one family from this it would be incredibly valuable,” she wrote on Facebook.
Tyler Rowe (pictured) was in a coma for nine days after the crash
Campo’s father told Seven News his family is not angry with the driver accused of causing the crash, but wants the tragedy to serve as a warning for road safety.
“We never thought this would happen to us, and we certainly don’t want it to happen to another parent,” Mr Campo said.
“But we see it every day — young kids think they’re bulletproof. They’re not.
‘They don’t have enough experience to drive cars with others in the back, distracted, on the phone, distracted, running red lights, etc., whistling. That has to stop.’
A friend of Nick’s, who attended a vigil at the crash site, said: “Nick was one of a kind. A lot of people loved him.”
“He had a very good heart, was very funny. No matter what situation he was in, he could always make a joke,” said another.
The group of five teenagers were celebrating Nick Campo’s (pictured) 18th birthday at the time of the crash that tragically killed him
Robert Henderson, principal of Aquinas College, expressed his condolences to the former student.
“There are no words that can express our sorrow and condolences at the loss of this wonderful young man,” he said.
The suspected driver of the vehicle was granted bail but is not allowed behind the wheel.
He will appear in court again in September.