Emilio Navaira Wakes Up from Coma

Emilio Navaira Wakes Up from Coma

The Tejano singer remains in critical condition, but doctors are optimistic

Family and friends of Emilio Navaira can rest a little easier now that the Tejano singer is no longer in a coma. Navaira had been unconscious at a Texas hospital after his tour bus collided with traffic barrels on a Houston highway last weekend.

"His family was happy, crying tears of joy. He opened his eyes and the doctor told him if he understood what he was saying, that he should squeeze his hand, and he did," radio host Raúl Brindis – who was with the family when Navaira woke up – told the program El Gordo y La Flaca (Univisión). "The most exciting thing was that his daughter Emily, who turned 9 yesterday, was there at his side," he added. Doctors are optimistic about the future of the 46-year-old singer, who is still in critical condition, but is stable.

Navaira is considered by many to be one of the leading musicians of the Tejano music genre. In 2003, he won a GRAMMY for his album Acuérdate. This isn't the first car accident the artist has experienced. In 2005, he was arrested for driving under the influence after crashing his car in San Antonio.