Friday, June 27, 2008

By EVE HIGHTOWER
ehightower@modbee.com

last updated: August 09, 2007 03:06:42 AM

OAKDALE — Three months after a crash that left one of his best friends dead and him in a coma, Tyler Allen came home Wednesday.

He has been far from friends, in a rehabilitation hospital in San Francisco. Before that, the Oakdale High School student and wrestler lay comatose in a Modesto hospital.

About 5 p.m. May 9, Tyler was cruising down Albers Road, east of Modesto, in a BMW 325i on his way to wrestling practice with friend and fellow wrestler Michael Stillman at the wheel.

The car veered into the path of a semi and Michael died at the scene. Tyler broke a hip and knee, suffered multiple head injuries and was thrust into unconsciousness. He's still working his way back.

"It's a long, slow process. Otherwise, he's healthy. He's swallowing soft foods," said Tyler's father, Jason Allen.

Recovery comes in stages. People do not just snap out of comas. They come out slowly, Allen said.

Stages, or scores, of comas range from a high 15 to a low 3, according to the Rehabilitation Center of Chicago. Those who have experienced a mild brain injury are generally in the 13 to 15 range. A score of nine to 12 indicates a moderate brain injury. Eight or less reflects a serious injury. Doctors have told Tyler's parents he is about at a five.

Tyler hasn't walked on his own or spoken since May. He communicates by blinking his eyes "yes," opening his mouth "no" and grunting in frustration.

"I asked him if he wants to talk and can't get the words out. He blinked 'yes,' " Allen said.

As he was greeted Wednesday by a mob of friends and family awaiting his arrival outside of his home, Tyler opened his eyes wide to take in the scene and let everyone know he can see them.

Tyler's progress after he began coming out of his coma in June plateaued while at a university hospital in San Francisco, his father said.

"He didn't like people coming in his room all the time who he didn't know. He'd play possum. When (doctors, nurses and medical students) came in, he'd shut his eyes. As soon as they left, he'd open them and be alert."

Allen said he figures his son will make more progress by interacting with friends. Oakdale High School senior Rudi Burt-schi, 17, said Tyler's friends are ready to help.

"We'll get him back on track. That's all he needs is help from us."

The team expects to see Tyler at meets and practices, said Rudi, The Bee's Wrestler of the Year in 2007 after winning a state title at 189 pounds.

When not at practice, Tyler will be home with his father, who has been trained to do physical therapy with his son.

"I'll take care of him. He'll be back in school next year. I think he'll be walking in a year," said Allen, who concedes that having to buy a specially equipped van and other expenses have put a financial strain on the family.

Donations can be made to the Allen and Stillman families. There's a trust in their names at Washington Mutual Bank, said family friend Ana Butler. To comment, click on the link with this story at www.modbee.com. Bee staff writer Eve Hightower can be reached at 578-2382 orehightower@modbee.com.

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