Buffalo Fireman Who Awoke Many Years Following A Coma, Dies

Associated Press reports today that the buffalo fireman who awoke last year after many years in a coma, after sustaining brain damage has passed away.

The fireman, Donald Herbert sustained oxygen deprivation when a roof of a burning home fell on him.   In April of 2005, after receiving a "cocktail" of medication usually given to persons suffering from Parkinson's disease, he awoke from his coma and began communicating with his family.

He was living in a nursing home.  AP reported that as recently as last week, he had been playing catch with his sons from his bed.  Reportedly, he was hospitalized again on Sunday with pneumonia.

To those with family members in a coma or persistent vegetative state, don't give up hope!