Doctor: Emilio Navaira's condition improves

By Adrienne M. Cody / KHOU.com

HOUSTON – The brother of hospitalized Tejano singer Emilio Navaira, who had another surgery Tuesday night, thanked fans across the United States for their support and prayers.

“We can feel them,” Raul Navaira said Wednesday. “There’s so much love and everything – I think that’s the best medicine for my brother.”

He said his brother is the only one who knows what happened early Sunday morning when their tour bus crashed on the West Loop near Highway 59. Raul Navaira was sleeping on a couch when it happened.

“I remember things falling on top of me and getting out of the bus,” he said.

Even if Emilio survives the head injury, the singer faces a long recovery and an uncertain future. His surgery Tuesday night was to remove a piece of the skull to lower the pressure in his brain.

His doctors have put his survival chances at 30 to 35 percent. They say it’s possible he could remain in a coma, be paralyzed or have memory loss.

Memorial Hermann Hospital's Dr. Alex Valadka said it is too early to tell if Emilio will be able to one day get on stage and sing again. He remains in a coma, but his body temperature is now back to normal. He is not breathing on his own, but that is due to medication that paralyzes the muscles.

"He's not quite out of the woods yet, but maybe day-to-day instead of hour-by-hour," Dr. Valadka said.

Family, friends remain optimistic

Emilio's daughter, who turns 9 today, said her birthday wish was for her father to open his eyes.

His son told a crowd of fans of fans Tuesday that he knows his dad will be all right.

"My daddy loves you all," he said. "He's going to be back!"

Raul Navaira said their family is also keeping the family of the injured band members in their prayers and thoughts as everyone heals.