05-07-2025
Legendary Surfer's Son Breathing on His Own After Being ‘Pinned' Between 2 Cars in Accident That Left Him with ‘Unthinkable Injuries'
Dakota Briley, son of legendary surfer Shawn Briley, was pinned between two vehicles and suffered multiple injuries when he was struck by a car on Saturday, June 14, in Hawaii
A GoFundMe update stated that Dakota is continuing to make progress in his recovery
While he doesn't have feeling in his lower body, Dakota is now breathing on his own and has opened his eyesThe family of Dakota Briley, the son of famed Pipeline surfer Shawn Briley, provided a hopeful update on their loved one's condition after he was hit by a car on the side of a highway in Hawaii and hospitalized last month.
"We can do nothing else but remain optimistic and hopeful, and full of prayer that this will heal, and he will be able to surf again," Dakota's sister Erin Lau said in a Tuesday, July 1, interview with ABC affiliate KGTV.
The incident occurred on June 14, on Kamehameha Highway on Oahu's North Shore, where Dakota, 20, was trapped between two vehicles and suffered multiple injuries, said the organizer of a GoFundMe that has already raised nearly $250,000 to support Dakota's recovery.
Dakota had returned home for summer break from Point Loma Nazarene University when he was struck, KGTV reported. Lau said her brother was about to give a surf lesson on the North Shore of Oahu when the tragedy happened.
'He was actually on the side of the road, waxing a board for his next surf lesson when a car veered across the opposite lane and hit him on the side of the road, pinning him to the other vehicle," Lau told the outlet.
KGTV reported that an 18-year-old was operating the vehicle involved in the incident and is not facing charges. PEOPLE has contacted the Honolulu Police Department for information.
The GoFundMe organizers wrote on the fundraiser description that Dakota sustained 'multiple fractures in his legs, pelvis, ribs, and skull. His spine has also endured unthinkable injuries' — adding that the surfer was fighting for his life in the ICU.
A June 27 update posted to the GoFundMe shared that Dakota is continuing to make progress in his recovery, stating he was moved from the ICU to the trauma floor of the hospital.
'He has opened his eyes a few times, moved his right thumb and moved his left arm (responds to commands),' the update read.
KGTV reported that Dakota was placed in a medically induced coma this past weekend and is in critical but stable condition.
Both Lau and the GoFundMe said that Dakota's spine was damaged but not severed. She said the effect of the head trauma is uncertain.
Additionally, she told KGTV, "Right now, according to tests, he doesn't have feeling in his lower body."
At the moment, Dakota has been able to breathe on his own. "There has been an outpouring of love," Lau said, per KGTV.
Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The GoFundMe organizers asked for people to pray for Dakota's recovery and healing process.
'We appreciate all the love and support coming Dakota's way. He has a long journey ahead, and your support is received with deep love and gratitude,' they wrote in their update.
Following in his father Shawn's footsteps, Dakota is also a surfer on the North Shore, according to Stab Magazine.
PEOPLE has reached out to Lau for comment.
Read the original article on People
