Surfing legend Sunny Garcia is speaking to family after finally waking from a coma, five months after he was found unconscious in his Oregon home after what was reported as an attempt to take his own life.
His daughter Kaila posted to Instagram that her father was out of hiscoma and speaking again but that he was in for a long journey to recovery.
"A long over due update on my dad. We are taking one day at a time and celebrating each little triumph. My dad is a warrior and fighting everyday to get better and stronger," she wrote.
"He has said a few words and is now in therapy daily physical, speech and occupational.
My family and I thank you for your continued support for My dad as he continues to heal. It's going to be a marathon not a sprint but we work every day to make sure he is surrounded with love, laughter and ohana."
Family friend Janae Twisselman told Hawaii's Khon 2 that Garcia is starting to show signs of awareness.
"With the family members, he's paying attention to voices. He can follow people's faces. He's moving his head. He's speaking a few words," Ms Twisselman said.
Sunny Garcia was the 2000 World Champion. Photo / Getty Images
The surfer had been open about his battles with depression for many years.
"Waking up feeling like you're ready to take on the world, then a couple of hours later, feeling down on life and wondering what's wrong with you.
"Well, I know I'm not alone and I'm not sure what's wrong with me because I have no reason to feel the way I do and it's been happening for about two years."
WHERE TO GET HELP:
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:
• 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7) • https://www.lifeline.org.nz/services/suicide-crisis-helpline • YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 • NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7) • KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7) • WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) • DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 or TEXT 4202
