Grammy award winner Emilio Navaira is in a critical condition after sustaining severe brain injury in an accident involving his tour bus. The 45 year old singer and six members of his band and entourage were hurt in the crash, but only two others remain in hospital, one band member and Navaira's agent Joe Casias.
Navaira, who was apparently driving the bus, was in a coma when he arrived in hospital and underwent surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain. The operation went well, but neurosurgeon Dr Alex Valadka, who performed the surgery, says he may not have saved his patient's life. "There is a chance he may not make it," he said. "Everyone needs to understand that right up front. That's how bad it is".
Asked if Navaira's injuries could end his career, Valadka replied: "We're talking about whether or not he even makes it. This is not like you see on TV and the movies where people get hit in the head and people wake up and go home the next day. In the real world, it takes a long time. But we hope every day there will be a little bit of progress".
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, which took place on Interstate 610 near Houston after Navaira and his band Rio had performed at a Houston club. They were on their way home to the San Antonio area.