KENDALL, Fla. – A South Florida high school principal who was struck by a GMC Envoy while coaching his son's baseball team in April was released Thursday from Kendall Regional Medical Center.
A hospital representative confirmed that Javier Perez, 43, was released from the hospital and is now in rehabilitation.
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His wife, Maytee Perez, thanked the staff at the hospital on a GoFundMe page for caring for her husband and thanked everyone who helped raise more than $150,000 for her husband's medical expenses and care.
"As we get ready to leave what has become our home for the last 70 days, I am overcome with a plethora of emotions -- gratitude, appreciation, excitement and, believe it or not, a little sadness," Maytee Perez wrote. "Kendall Regional Medical Center has become our home. The doctors, nurses, respiratory technicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, radiologists and everyone who has cared for Javi have become our family. I have grown to care for all of them and I will certainly miss them as we move on to the next part of this journey."
Maytee Perez said her husband underwent 19 surgeries and "countless procedures" at the hospital.
"The trauma team doctors who saved Javi's life will always be my heroes and in my prayers. The ICU nurses who lovingly and patiently cared for Javi will forever be in my heart and prayers," Maytee Perez wrote. "I thank each and every one of you who has lifted Javi and our family in prayer. Please continue to pray for us. I thank God for listening to our prayers. I thank the community for their generosity and bestowing us with immense strength. Rehab, here we come! #javistrong #myhero."
Marilyn Aguilera, 51, is charged with driving under the influence and causing a crash that resulted in great bodily harm. According to an arrest warrant, her blood-alcohol level was .227 percent, almost three times the legal limit, when she crashed into the South Dade Senior High School principal April 26 in a West Kendall park.
The warrant said Aguilera was driving north at a high rate of speed on Southwest 117th Avenue near Coral Way. She struck a median, hit a chain-link fence and struck Perez and another man, Elias Espinoza.
Both victims were taken by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to Kendall Regional Medical Center. Perez was first listed in critical condition and later had to have his legs amputated.
Authorities said Aguilera remained at the scene.
According to the warrant, while speaking to detectives, Aguilera experienced "mood swings ... which ranged from being cooperative and polite to being insulting and using profanity. Her face was flushed and she both laughed and cried."
Aguilera has since been released from jail on bond.