Doctors say a Northern California man who in July survived a small plane crash with a broken neck and extensive brain and spinal cord damage has made a "miraculous" recovery and is ready to leave the hospital.
Eric Raptosh, of Truckee, was flying with his husband, Peter Jackson, and their pilot, Kenneth Whitall-Scherfee, when the single-engine plane crashed near Lake Tahoe, killing Jackson and Whitall-Scherfee.
Officials said the Navion-B aircraft's pilot reported engine problems and was trying to return to the Truckee-Tahoe Airport when the crash occurred shortly after takeoff.
Raptosh was admitted to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose with a broken neck, broken ribs, a broken leg, and extensive brain, and spinal cord damage.
Doctors say he will leave the hospital Thursday after an intensive and "miraculous" recovery.
Sole survivor of July 17 Truckee Air crash #EricRaptosh leaving Thurs from Rehab Ctr at #SCVMC in SJ. Dr says Eric ‘unrecognizable’ at beginning. Called ‘miraculous recovery’ after extensive therapy. Eric thanks staff for ‘brand new spirit’ and ‘second chance at life.’ pic.twitter.com/hxXKW9BWpd — Robert Handa (@RHandaNBC) September 5, 2018