The parents of Juan Manuel Correa have confirmed that he remains in an induced coma in intensive care, almost two weeks on from the high-speed accident in Belgium that left him with serious injuries.
Alfa Romeo F1 Development Driver Correa was involved in the horrific accident during the Formula 2 Feature Race at Spa Francorchamps last month which claimed the life of Anthoine Hubert.
Correa, 20, was diagnosed with fractures to both legs, and a minor spinal injury, and last Wednesday (4 September) was transferred from Liege to London.
Last Saturday (7 September) his family revealed that he had developed ARDS [Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome] and had been placed on an ECMO [Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation] machine, in a critical but stable condition.
On Friday evening, in the first public statement since that release, his family provided an update, detailing the events of the past week.
“Our son, Juan Manuel, remains in the Intensive Care Unit at a hospital in London, England with my wife and I at his side,” read a bulletin from Juan Carlos and Maria Correa.
“We have good days and bad days as well as long nights and short nights but with the support of the motorsports community, our friends, family, country and fans, we continue to pray for Juan Manuel.
“Juan Manuel remains in a state of induced coma with paralysis in order for his lungs to get as much rest as possible.
“Continuing to be assisted by an ECMO machine many of the key vital indicators have improved slightly while others have deteriorated very little.
“We have been reminded by the doctors that as long as Juan Manuel continues in an upward trend of improvement, even if very little, it is all that we can ask for at the moment.
“Infections are under control and respiratory indicators remain stable and all vital signs continue to remain consistent and stable.
“We believe in our son’s strength and determination, we see the minor improvement as an indication of him starting to turn the tide in his favour, we just need him to do it a little quicker.
“Doctors continue to monitor and change the bandages when necessary and confirm that the fractures are multiple and severe.
“Additional surgeries will be required once Juan Manuel’s lungs improve to a state that it is safe for doctors to proceed.”
Correa’s parents thanked well-wishers for their support and messages sent since the accident.
“We would like to thank each and every person that has called, texted, sent emails and reached out on social media,” they said.
“We have received and read or continue to read and show all the messages to Juan Manuel.
“Your messages help him to fight and never give up. This will be the biggest single motivator for Juan Manuel when he regains consciousness.
“We invite fans and friends to continue to send supportive messages via social media or to Info@JMCorrea.com. Again, thank you for your support.”
