A NINDIGULLY cowboy has woken from a coma after he was involved in a single vehicle crash early Monday morning while returning home from attending the Paradise Lagoons Campdraft.
Well-known saddle bronc rider Angus Rigney was driving on the D’Aguilar Highway between Blackbutt and Yarraman when his ute left the road and hit a tree, about 2-3am.
He was trapped in the vehicle for up to four hours when he was released by fire fighters and taken to Nanango Hospital about 6.30am.
The 21-year-old was flown to the Princess Alexandra Hospital where yesterday he woke from an induced coma and has “responded to family with hand gestures”.
A gofundme page set up by friend Sophie Weeden of Roma has already raised more than $6000 to aid Angus and his family through medical costs.
Hundreds of dollars from canteen funds at rodeo practices have also been donated to the family.
Ms Weeden said Angus always put everyone before himself and now the community were doing the same for him.
“His smile, it lights up everything, you just don’t forget it,” she said.
“He will do anything in his willpower to help anyone.”
She said Angus was expected to make a full recovery but had a long road ahead of him.
“I would just like to say a massive thanks from me and his family for everyone’s support about the fundraiser,” she said.
“It’s amazing we have got the response we have.”
The Forensic Crash Unit are investigating the crash and reminded drivers to be mindful of fatigue.