Accident victim makes miraculous recovery
There are days when the evening news seems like nothing more than a long litany of shootings, stabbings and horrific automobile accidents. And while most of these events end sadly at the morgue or cemetery, every once in a while a victim who is marked for death manages to cheat the grim reaper. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods this morning spoke to the family of one such survivor.
Andrea Matura, Jerry’s Sister
“He’s recognising us little by little and he’s even asking for his friend, but we can’t tell him that his friend is no longer with us.”
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Thirty-two year old Jerry Matura almost lost his life on May ninth after the car he was travelling in collided into a van at mile six on the Northern Highway. The crash killed his best friend and co-worker, Deon Ramclam, who was driving the vehicle when it is believed he lost control on the curve. Matura was left comatose and doctors said his chances for survival were slim. Today, Matura remains in a critical care unit at a Merida Hospital, but his condition has improved and the family is hoping to be reunited with him very soon.
Andrea Matura
“Well, the family is very happy and glad. God came through for us, he gave us the strength and the health. Jerry is coming back to us maybe Saturday or Sunday. We are very thankful to everyone who helped us in prayers, financial assistance, we are thankful for that.”
Matura regained consciousness on May fifteenth. Andrea Matura says when her brother opened his eyes, he was able to recognise his brother Leroy who has been with him in Merida.
Andrea Matura
“My brother asked him if he knows who he was talking to and he said yes and he asked him if he remembers his nephews and he said, yes. He’s calling out Eaton’s name, Leroy, everyone.”
However, the road back to a full recovery will be a long journey for Jerry and his family. Besides receiving a head trauma, Matura also suffered facial and body injuries. Today he underwent surgery for his eyes, mouth and arm. It appears he did not suffer any permanent vision loss and will be able to see through both eyes.
Andrea Matura
“He won’t be blind. He’s seeing through the eyes and the doctor will be operating on it. So they are cleaning it out so when he comes back he will be able to see through it good.”
It has not only been an emotional time for the family, but also financially draining. The Matura’s have been working hard to raise money for the medical bills, but Matura says their efforts have been made even more difficult. It seems that at least one person has been illegally soliciting funds on behalf of her family, with no intention of using the money to help Jerry.
Andrea Matura
“We are asking the public to please do not give money to anyone. If you want to give anything, please deposit it to the account at Atlantic Bank for Jerry Matura.”
If you would like to assist the Matura family, you can make your deposit to Atlantic Bank account number, 210543740. Reporting for News 5, Jacqueline Woods.
In aid of Jerry Matura, the public is being asked to support the family at an all day barbecue that will be held on Sunday June second. The event will take place at the 501 Sports Bar in Ladyville.
