Asher Thompson, the 10-year-old Pasco County boy struck by two vehicles on State Road 52 in June, is smiling and crying for the first time since the crash that left him in a medically induced coma for nearly seven weeks.

His mother, Jackie Almeida, confirmed the milestone to WFLA on Wednesday, July 29. Asher remains hospitalized at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa.

"I just want to hear his voice. I don't care what he says. I want to speak. I want him to know that he knows he's okay," Almeida said. "Like, I keep wondering what's going through his head."

The facial expressions mark the first confirmed signs of neurological recovery since the June 12 crash. As we reported July 19, doctors had found less brain damage than initially feared, but Asher had not yet regained consciousness at that time.

What happened

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Asher was riding his bicycle out of a Circle K gas station at 7611 State Road 52 in Hudson at approximately 12:25 p.m. on Friday, June 12, when he attempted to cross the highway. A Kia Niro struck him first, propelling him into an adjacent westbound lane, where a Ford F-350 hit him. He was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries.

His mother later described his skull as "completely shattered." He also suffered a brain bleed.

FHP determined the crash was an accident. Neither driver faced criminal charges.

Long road ahead

Dr. Patrick Mularoni, a pediatric emergency physician at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital who was not Asher's treating doctor, told WFLA that recovery from a significant brain injury in a child can take years and requires physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and an entire care team. He noted that children do have an advantage through neuroplasticity, which can sometimes allow them to recover better than adults.

Almeida said most of Asher's recovery will happen in the coming months.

Community support continues

The Pasco County community has raised more than $35,000 through a GoFundMe campaign since the crash. A Community Family Fun Day fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mitchell Field in New Port Richey, with all proceeds going to Asher's family.

Lindsay Weber of The Connector Community Foundation organized the event. Mark Price, owner of Priceless Inflatables, is donating inflatables and supplies. Price told Tampa Bay 28 in late July that his reaction was immediate: "That could have been my kid. How can I help?"

More than 100 people gathered at a Hudson restaurant on Saturday, July 18, for an earlier fundraiser.

The Aug. 1 event runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mitchell Field, 6640 Madison St., New Port Richey.