Critically injured Deputy Andy Lahera remains in critical, but stable condition
Photo graphic of SRD Lahera courtesy of CCSO.
Citrus County, Florida - School Resource Deputy (SRD) Andy Lahera with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) - struck by a vehicle while directing traffic in Lecanto, Florida on May 23 - remains in critical, but stable condition, according to Sydney Hudson, CCSO Community Relations Specialist.
"Thank you, to our community, for your unwavering support," said Hudson.
"I spent time at the hospital with Andy last night and visited with his son, who was at his Dad's bedside," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. 'I just got off of the phone with Andy's wife, moments ago. Andy is undergoing another procedure today, to help him with his recovery as he continues to fight an infection. The team of doctors and nursing staff remains very attentive to Andy's every need. While Andy remains in critical, but stable condition, please continue to pray for him while the doctors aggressively attack this annoying infection. We will continue to provide updates as we know more."
The Florida Deputy Sheriff's Association launched a GoFundMe account for the Lahera family with a $1,000 donation. If you would like to make a donation, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/florida-deputy-sheriffs-assn-fund-for-Lahera?fbclid=IwAR1gZWw3dDOjgzSppAcMsTf14UBI_7MVpcZsgiK5OIOnsAcb9Qj3Cxk6LdE.
At 9:05 pm, May 23, as Deputy Lahera and other deputies were directing traffic following the Lecanto High School graduation ceremony, Deputy Lahera was struck by a motorist, a 19 year-old woman from Homosassa, Florida, who was traveling south on County Road 491 (S. Lecanto Hwy.) near Saunders Way.
At the time of the crash, Deputy Lahera was wearing a reflective traffic vest and holding a flashlight; traffic cones were set out, and the emergency lights were activated on his marked patrol car, parked nearby
Deputy Lahera, who sustained numerous broken bones, abrasions, and internal injuries, was flown by helicopter to the Emergency and Trauma Center at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida.
According to previous updates on Deputy Lahera, he had surgery to both legs on March 30, and has remained in a coma.