A young footballer who was fighting for his life after a horrific accident that killed his teammate has been discharged from hospital.
Tyler Rowe, 18, was one of four passengers in a Toyota Hilux pickup truck when the vehicle rolled over and crashed into a Jeep pickup truck at North Lake, south of Perth, shortly before midnight on July 13.
The group was celebrating the 18th birthday of their teammate Nick Campo, who died at the scene.
Mr Rowe was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition, where he spent nine days in a coma in intensive care before being removed from sedation and “opening his eyes” on July 24.
He has since been discharged from hospital, PerthNow reported.
Mr Rowe changed his Facebook profile picture to a photo of his late friend, with the caption ‘Rip Campo’, on August 8.
A GoFundMe campaign launched to cover Mr. Rowe’s medical bills recently closed after raising a whopping $83,306.
“The Rowe family would like to express their gratitude to each and every one of you for the donations received,” an earlier update on the page said.
Tyler Rowe is now recovering at home after being seriously injured in a horrific 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 accident.
The team came face to face with their opponents, the Subiaco Lions, before the match to observe a minute’s silence, while the stadium scoreboard read ‘RIP Nick Campo’.
The 17-year-old driver of the Hilux appeared in Perth Youth Court last Monday from his hospital bed and was charged with multiple dangerous driving offences.
Campo’s heartbroken mother Bianca urged Australians to be more aware of road safety in a campaign called ‘Call out for Nick’.
“This pain is unbearable and if we could prevent even one family from going through this, it would be so worth it,” she wrote on Facebook.
Tyler Rowe (pictured) spent nine days in a coma after the accident.
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 reminder about road safety.
“It’s something we never thought would happen to us and we certainly don’t want it to happen to any other parents,” Campo said.
“But we see it every day: little kids think they’re bulletproof. They’re not.
“They don’t have enough experience to drive cars with other people in the back, distracted, talking on the phone, being distracted, running red lights, etc., driving at full speed. This has to stop.”
A friend of Nick’s, who attended a vigil at the crash site, said: “Nick was one of a kind. He was loved by so many people.”
“He had a big heart and was very funny. No matter what situation he found himself in, he could always crack 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.
Aquinas College Principal Robert Henderson shared his condolences for the former student.
“There are no adequate words to express our grief and sympathy for the loss of this wonderful young man,” he said.
The accused driver of the vehicle was granted bail but is prohibited from getting behind the wheel.
He will return to court in September.
