SAN ANTONIO — Instead of high school, a 15-year-old is in the hospital while doctors are trying to save his leg and foot.
Samuel Fernandez was walking with his bike to the convenient store with his best friend on Oct. 8. Going to the Trader's Village on Old Pearsall Road and I-410, is a routine stop for the teenagers. Except this time, a car hit Fernandez and took off, shattering his left side.
"I was the last one to see him," said Sebastian Fernandez, his older brother. "I saw him off. I told him, Be careful and I love him. And he took off."
The car did not stop. Samuel's best friend was not hurt and was able to give authorities a description of a dark Ford Explorer or Expedition with damage to the front and right side.
Samuel was rushed to the hospital. He lost his index finger and right now, doctor's are trying to figure out whether they can save his left leg and foot.
"They'll make a decision on that hopefully this coming week," said Johnny Fernandez, Samuel's uncle. "Hopefully, you know, he'll be able to keep it."
Samuel is the middle child of five brothers. His family says he's always outside as he loves the outdoors. He's the goofball in the family and is the glue keeping his family together.
"We expected to see each other the next day," Sebastian Fernandez said. "It's unbelievable for something like this to happen. It put me in shock and it's still very shocking."
The most emotional moment in Samuel's recovery for his brother, was when the oxygen tube was removed and Samuel could finally talk to his brothers on the phone.
"In recent days, he's gotten a lot better," his brother said. "He's recovering as well as possible. He's now more talkative and being real goofy, which is good because that's the Samuel does. So the sooner we get Samuel back, the better. The first time I heard him make a joke, he started smiling and laughing, and it definitely did make me emotional because I'm so glad he's still here with us now."
Samuel's dad hasn't left his side since he went to the hospital. His family, relieved that the worst did not happen.
"Many people can't live through something he did and tell the tale," Sebastian Fernandez said. "To know my little brother, he's coming back to us, it means the world to me. I couldn't fathom to have lost him. "
His family is raising money for his medical expenses and for his recovery. On Saturday, they hosted a plate sale and plan to host another one in the next few weeks. In the meantime, those that would like to help, can donate to the GoFundMe.
