It's the news Tejano fans have been anxiously waiting to hear. News 4 learned late Thursday afternoon that Emilio Navaira is opening his eyes and responding to his family for the first time since his bus accident Easter morning.
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Click here...As late as Wednesday afternoon, doctors had cautioned against being too optimistic. But in the last 24 hours, even they say Emilio's recovery is amazing.
Joe Casias has been Emilio's agent and manager since 1989. Only Casias and Emilio's family were present when Emilio woke up.
"We knew something was happening," said Casias. "We called in his wife and sister. Then she ran out and said 'Emilio is back, he's awake, he can hear me'."
Casias said Emilio squeezed his wife's hand and tears came out of his eyes when his son Diego spoke to him at his bedside.
His doctors said it's too soon to say the crisis has passed. They also warned that Emilio's recovery will be long and difficult. But Casias says Emilio has always been someone who overcame the odds.
"Throughout his career not many gave him a chance to go to the top," Casias told News 4. "And some who saw the bus, feared he wouldn't make it. But we always felt he could, because we know him."
For now, Emilio will remain in the intensive care unit at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.
"This is a combination of everything. Prayers, faith and hope. Just keep on praying," Casias told News 4.
Casias was scheduled to leave Pleasanton and return to Houston Thursday afternoon and said he would relay any developments.
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