LAKE FOREST : Young Runner Slowly Emerging From Coma

A top El Toro High School cross-country runner who was injured in a car accident in August is slowly coming out of a coma, according to his coach.

Tomas Mejia, 16, will be moved to a Laguna Hills convalescent hospital where he will begin more vigorous rehabilitation treatment, said Rick Hagin, the school’s cross-country coach.

“He’s starting to come out of it,” Hagin said. “His one eye is open, and he does see you. He communicates by body languages and frowns.”

Mejia and three teammates were driving to a fast-food restaurant on Aug. 26 when their Honda Accord collided with a 1970 Chevrolet Impala near the high school.

Emergency crews used the “Jaws of Life” to cut the youths free from the vehicle.

Two of the teen-agers were hospitalized with broken bones and concussions but have since recovered and are running with the team.

“It’s been hard for all of us,” Hagin said. “We’ve tried to talk about it and learn from what happened, but it’s all been real difficult.”

Mejia had been a star on the cross-country team, which finished fourth in the Sea View League last year and recently finished third in a prestigious Orange County cross-country invitational meet.

About $15,000 has been raised to help support Mejia and his family. Neither parent is working, and the family has no insurance.

Donations are still being accepted. Checks can be sent to the Tomas Relief Fund, El Toro High School, 25255 Toledo Way, Lake Forest, Calif. 92630.