BRIDGE CITY, Texas — A Bridge City High School football player was injured late in the fourth quarter Friday night in the school's game against Silsbee.
Abraham "Mungy" Munguia was shoved once he was out of bounds and over the bench. All of his momentum and body weight, came down on his head according to Holly Bush, a family friend.
Mungy was taken by ambulance to a helicopter to be flown to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston 12News was told.
His MRI and scans were clear according to Bridge City Superintendent Dr. Mike Kelly. He still has numbness in his legs but is able to move his feet.
Mungy's injuries initially consisted of the loss of feeling and movement below his neck. He never lost consciousness, and was coherent enough to respond to any questions being asked according to Bush.
The Bridge City athletic trainer stabilized his head, and remained like that for about an hour, as they waited for a mode of transport to be put into place to get Mungy to the hospital.
When Mungy first arrived at the hospital, he couldn’t feel below his neck, but could slightly wiggle his fingers and toes. Throughout the night, he began regaining sensation and strength in his upper body. He was able to lift both of his arms several hours after the injury occurred, Bush tells 12News.
Initially Mungy received a CT scan, which determined there were no fractures or breaks. This led the hospital to do a MRI Saturday morning, which also showed clear results.
"While both of these outcomes are what we would all desire, there’s still the need for answers as to why he’s struggling with sensation and motion in his lower body," bush tells 12News.
When Bush left the hospital Saturday morning, Mungy was able to move his legs better.
"We do believe we’ll be seeing more improvement with each passing day and he’s willing to do the work it will take to get out of the bed," Bush said. "The doctors seems optimistic and we are so thankful for that."
Dr. Kelly tells 12News that Munguia can also feel touch on his feet.
"His current condition gives so much hope for complete healing, but he’s got work to do," said Bush. "We are all thankful for the care he has received at Texas Children’s, and the outpouring of love and prayers from our little community and the surrounding communities."
The game, being played at Bridge City High School's Larry Ward Stadium, was called following the injury with Silsbee leading 33-7.
If you would like to help Munguia and his family, a t-shirt fundraiser has been organized. You can find the information on how to order a t-shirt here.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.