The French doctor who has been treating Michael Schumacher since his skiing accident says the seven time Formula One champion has made progress, and could recover within the next three years.
Making his first public comment since the tragedy, Dr Jean-Francois Payen confirms Schumacher is in fact out of a coma and not in a vegetative state, but his recovery could still take some time.
The 45 year old F1 ace suffered severe head injuries during a fall, while skiing in the French Alps last December, and was discharged from hospital last month to continue his rehabilitation at home. Payen says he continues to visit and monitor Schumacher, but declined to divulge further details.
He however stressed that patience is vital in dealing with the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver’s recovery, heaping special praise for Schumacher’s wife, Corinna, who he says has shown extraordinary willpower and clarity in making timely decisions to improve her husband’s condition.
His fans took to social media today, to express their joy over his recovery.
Michael Schumacher came out of his coma and is expected to recover over 1-3 years. Very nice news to hear.
— Laura Kate Dale – Mastodon "@LauraKBuzz@tech.lgbt" (@LaurakBuzz) October 23, 2014
Glad to hear Michael Schumacher is finally out of his coma since his skiing accident
— jorge cabanas (@Jcabanas69) October 24, 2014
https://twitter.com/arcane137/status/525530649516851202
https://twitter.com/osh_jott/status/525514328611377153
michael schumacher is out of coma. Great news!
— Solomon Stroup (@Dupo24) October 24, 2014
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