Boy, 12, Injured in Helicopter Crash Wakes Up from Coma on His Birthday

A 12-year-old boy who was struck by a falling helicopter has regained consciousness after being placed in a medically induced coma.

Oliver Holland was among five people injured when a helicopter crashed in Huntington Beach on Oct. 11 ahead of the Cars ‘N Copters on the Coast event, according to NBC affiliate KNBC.

After being in a coma for several days, Oliver woke up over the weekend — on his birthday.

Speaking with KNBC, his sister, Madeline Ashwell, said that when family members explained what had happened, Oliver asked, “How did this happen?” and “Why did a helicopter land on me?”

Oliver underwent several surgeries following the crash to treat a collapsed lung and bleeding in his brain, KNBC reported. His sister said he was simply in the “wrong place [at the] wrong time” and that if he had been even “five feet ahead,” he likely wouldn’t have been hit.

A GoFundMe page has been created to support Oliver and his family, raising more than $113,000 as of Wednesday, Oct. 29.

In a recent update, Madeline shared that her brother “has made incredible progress” and no longer needs a ventilator.

“Oliver recognizes his family, is able to communicate with us, and has even begun to move parts of his body,” she wrote. “These are huge milestones that fill us with hope and relief. His doctors are very encouraged by his progress and believe he’s on a strong path toward recovery.”

She added, “While there’s still a long road ahead, we’re beyond grateful for how far he’s come and for the steady improvements we’re seeing every day.”

Madeline also expressed gratitude for the “overwhelming love and support shown for Oliver” since the accident.

“Your kindness, encouragement, and support have given our family so much strength during this time,” she wrote. “We’ll continue to share updates as Oliver continues to heal and make progress.”