UPDATED: Family Holds Out Hope for Fridley Boy Struck by Car While Biking

Updated below: Roman Kotas, 13, of Fridley, remains in critical condition a week after suffering severe head trauma from . 

The boy's family is waiting to learn more about his outlook when he awakens, according to his father, Wojciech Kotas. 

Doctors have kept the boy unconscious since the accident, using paralyzing drugs to minimize activity in his swollen brain. Earlier, they removed parts of his skull to make way for swelling. They were due to begin taking him off the medicine Wednesday, his father said. 

The extent of Roman Kotas' injuries can't be known until he awakens, but Wojciech Kotas said HCMC offers excellent rehabilitation for people with brain injuries. He also praised the care his son received there so far, including treatment for a broken leg he also suffered in the accident. 

Wojciech Kotas said his son was likely riding from the family's home just south of Mississippi Street to Old Country Buffet at Holly Center.

Usually Roman walks there, his father said. 

Results of an initial investigation did not assign blame to the driver of the vehicle. According to police, the boy was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Wojciech Kotas said his son's head hit the vehicle's windshield. 

Roman Kotas is a student at Fridley Middle School and also attended Stevenson Elementary School.

People in Fridley who don't know Roman by name may recognize him from school performances, Wojciech Kotas said. 

His father said he loves to read and has gained a global perspective from spending time in Wojciech Kotas' native Poland.

Update (6 p.m. Thursday): Roman Kotas' father said, by email just now:

We are seeing some encouraging signs, but it will very likely take us until next week to have any substantive updates. The process tends to be slow and unpredictable.

See this July 28 post for a further update on Roman Kotas' recovery.