MIAMI (WSVN) - A father of two continues to recover in the hospital after he suffered a serious leg injury from a boating accident near Biscayne Bay.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 28-year-old Jonathan Cruz’s leg was cut open by a boat propeller in the vicinity of Elliott Key, Sunday.
He was airlifted to the Ryder Trauma Center.
On Monday, his family said they haven’t left his hospital bed.
“He was out on the boat helping somebody else – I don’t want to give too much information because there is an investigation – and the propeller got him,” said Rosa Gonzalez, Cruz’s aunt.
Cruz’s family believes he was trying to free the boat from the sandbar when a child hit the throttle.
Cruz suffered injuries to his leg and pelvic area, including broken bones.
“He’s very critical, but he’s stable right now,” Gonzalez said.
According to the family, an off-duty Miami-Dade firefighter was nearby when the accident occurred and rushed in to help. They believed the paramedic saved Cruz’s life.
Now, the family is praying for his recovery.
“He provides for his family, and right now, he’s down, so we’re going to need all the help we can get,” Gonzalez said. “We just want everybody to pray for him. He’s very strong. We have all the support here, but we need the support of everybody else too.”
Family members told 7News Cruz went through his fourth surgery Monday afternoon. He has a fifth one scheduled Monday night.
Loved ones want to thank the paramedic who helped Cruz. “Thank you. You saved not only his life, you saved us, the family,” Gonzalez said. “You know, we can’t even imagine what it would be if he was not there.”
If you’re that paramedic, reach out to 7News so we can put you in touch with Cruz’s family.
The family has set up a GoFundMe account to help cover costs while he recovers. To donate, click here.
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