COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – In early August, 34-year-old Aaften Wesbrock was leaving a concert in Sturgis, South Dakota when an allegedly drunk motorcyclist struck him, leaving him unresponsive and on life support with life-threatening injuries.

Two months later, Aaften is still fighting for his life in the hospital.

Although Aaften was still generally unresponsive, her friend Miranda Colosimo said physical therapists were working to get her up and down. Aaften’s family is trying to send him back to Colorado to be closer to his father and friends, and they hope he will be transferred soon.

Aaften’s father said he was making progress “slowly but surely.” He could follow the nurse with his eyes. His father wished positive emotions for Aaften, his family and friends.

Aaften was shot from behind, causing him to hit his head. His father, Chris Wesbrock, said he suffered a serious brain injury. Since then, he has been fighting for his life at Monument Healthcare Rapid City Hospital in South Dakota.

Robert Shipp, 34, who was suspected of hitting her, was arrested and charged with vehicle battery along with DUI. Shipp left the Meade County Jail a few days later.

The Colorado native was born and raised in Lakewood and moved to Colorado Springs in April to be closer to his father. He recently started working as a bartender at Shrunken Head Tiki in downtown Colorado Springs.

“Aaften recently moved from Denver to Colorado Springs and has made a huge impact on the city in the short time he has been here,” said Audriana Zepeda, owner of Shrunken Head Tiki. “Something he talks about a lot is how much he loves his father and how close they are.”

Aaften’s friends rushed to his side as soon as they heard about the injury.

“I was shocked and confused and upset and didn’t know exactly what was going on,” Colosimo said. “Within an hour of finding out, we got in the car and headed to the hospital.”

Following the injury, a blood clot formed and doctors removed part of his skull. Colosimo said he and the doctors believed it was a miracle he survived the night. On August 20, Aaften’s father said that he was on full life support due to severe brain damage. Despite this, his condition is getting better.

“He is the most loving, caring and gentle soul in this world and he does not deserve this,” Colosimo said. “’Is he going to be the same person he was before this happened?’ It’s a terrible thought to worry about.”

While Aaften continued to fight, his friends tried to create the best environment possible for him. Colosimo said they created a photo wall and prepared a way for people to send him their virtual cards, which they hung on the wall of the hospital.

“Even if he was unconscious, we would read the cards to him so he could hear the kind words and loving support,” Colosimo said. “The purpose of this is to truly humanize Aaften, so that doctors and nurses can get to know the Aaften we know, and not just as patients.”

While Aaften was still unresponsive and on life support, hearing the stories of other survivors who suffered traumatic brain injuries helped his family and friends stay hopeful. While doctors say he will likely be looking at long-term medical and livelihood support if he survives, survivors have reached out to us with their own stories of recovery and being able to live normal, productive lives.

“Miracles happen every day,” Colosimo said. “These are the stories we really hold on to, and it gives us hope that this too can be Aaften.”

Colosimo created GoFundMe To help provide financial support to Aaften and his family throughout his extensive recovery process.

“He’s a fraud,” Colosimo said. “He’s always worked his butt off his whole life, and the last thing I want him to worry about when he wakes up is his finances.”

Aaften’s friends and family also held a charity event on October 12 at the Rockabillies at 12363 W 64th Ave in Arvada to help raise money and show their undying support for Aaften.

“This is just to really come together for Aaften and show him what army stands behind him as he fights the biggest battle of his life,” Colosimo said.

Colosimo said there was a great turnout to help Aaften with love and support.

“It’s hard to know what the future will bring, but I know Aaften is a fighter,” Colosimo said. “I know he has always been a warrior. I know you won’t give up and I know you will keep fighting forever. I don’t think this is the way his life should last forever. I think he will fight until he recovers. No one can really say what looks better. But I know Aaften and I know Aaften will not give up that easily.”

Visit Aaften’s GoFundMe to find out how you can help him and his family.

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