Early on Easter Sunday (March 23), the tour bus of Grammy Award-winning Tejano music star Emilio Navaira crashed into a set of freeway barrels. Navaira, the driver, was one of eight people injured in the crash. Navaira was hospitalized in critical condition.

That evening, I watched the news with family members in Houston. The joyful Easter Sunday turned solemn as we saw footage of the crashed bus. It was the first time the room — full of Tejanos and a singular Chicana from LA (me) — fell silent all day. I left Houston the next day wondering if there was any positive news on Emilio’s condition.

It turns out Navaira sustained serious head injuries in the bus accident. He was kept in a medically-induced coma and hypothermia had been inducec to minimize brain swelling (source Houston Chronicle).

Since then, fans have kept close watch on news of Navaira’s condition. Last week dedicated fans held prayer vigils throughout Texas. Fans have also kept Navaira’s brother, Raulito, in mind and are organizing a fundraiser for him.

The latest news on Navaira came today. The family released a statement thanking fans:

“We are deeply humbled by the unwavering support you have given our family. God has blessed our family in many ways throughout our lives and in each passing day I know he is listening to all of our prayers. We know that your prayers and well wishes are also helping. Emilio has looked into our eyes; he has held our hands as we have held his. Thank you again and we hope to share good news with you soon.

I hope to hear more good news on Navaira.

Via / Latin Notes Now and Ken Burns Hates Mexicans; photo of Dallas Vigil by Carolina