Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- BYU-Idaho student Israel Garcia is recovering after a severe industrial accident.
- His family attributes his progress to divine intervention, calling it a miracle.
- BYU-Idaho and medical staff acknowledge prayers and professional care for his recovery.
IDAHO FALLS — A BYU-Idaho student critically injured in an industrial accident is making improvements, and his family credits God for his recovery.
Israel Garcia, 26, was rushed to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center on April 30 after a stack of large steel beams collapsed on him in a storage room of the machine fabrication shop in the BYU-Idaho Mark Austin Building.
About 12 to 15 beams, weighing at least 100 pounds each, fell on Garcia, according to Madison Fire Department Deputy Chief Troyce Miskin, and the prognosis was grim.
But Garcia has made improvements over the past 10 days, according to his mother, Carol Garcia.
"We are, indeed, so very blessed. This is a miracle that will continue to grow, and it is all in and for the glory of God," Carol told EastIdahoNews.com.
The Garcias live in Idaho Falls and have spent every day in Israel's hospital room. His final bandages were cut off this week, and he was able to sit up and put his feet on the ground.
He had minimal brain function when brought into the hospital last week, and was on life support, but Carol says her son "is now alive, with a fully functioning mind – able to remember the past and how to speak Spanish, move his arms and legs, and even get out a very lopsided grin."
"It is for testifying of the divinity and majesty of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who is the light and the life and the way, who is the only way to salvation," Carol said.
In a statement, BYU-Idaho public affairs director Brett Crandall said the university is "so very grateful for Israel's improving condition."
"We know that his healing is the result of much fasting, many prayers and the faith of his loving family, his fellow BYU-Idaho students and employees, and friends," the statement says. "We also know that his ongoing recovery would not be possible without the diligent efforts of first responders, emergency services personnel, and medical professionals who have been caring for him since the accident."
Israel remained in critical condition as of Friday, according to a hospital spokeswoman. Circumstances surrounding the accident are under investigation.
