SARASOTA, Fla. — It's been nearly six weeks since life took a turn for a 27-year-old star athlete.
Luis Zubiaga is lucky to still be alive after a single motorcycle crash left doctors with no choice but to amputate his right leg. Zubiaga crashed his motorcycle on Oct. 14 on U.S. 41 in Charlotte County when he was headed home.
"I'm very blessed to be alive. I thank God for giving me another chance because if not I couldn't be doing this interview," Zubiaga said while speaking exclusively to Angelina Salcedo Wednesday evening.
We first shared his story with you last month. Since then his resiliency, strength and faith have gotten him through some of his toughest moments.
Wednesday was exactly a month to the day since he was discharged from Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Talking about what happened for the first time, Luis said he got his sutures removed just yesterday. The soccer star is getting used to his new normal, hoping one day he'll be back on the field again.
"That day I remember the light turning green and I started going. I remember looking over to my side, to switch lanes because I wanted to switch lanes and hate being on the edges when I'm on the street. When I was looking at my side and look back, I guess, I hit the median in the middle of the road," Zubiaga said.
The next thing he knew, Luis saw his motorcycle skidding down the road and people running towards him. He says a man named Joe came up to him and tied something around his leg.
"After that, I passed out and I don't remember nothing after that," Zubiaga said.
Luis Zubiaga was sedated in the hospital and would wake up to a new reality. Those moments were a nightmare for him and his family.
"It was really hard to go through for sure. Especially that first week. That was terrible. That's my brother. I'm his rock and he's mine. I'm just thankful to still be here with him," Juan Zubiaga, Luis' younger brother said.
He was one of the first to get a call his older brother was seriously injured. Back then, Juan knew Luis would wake up without his right leg and it wouldn't be an easy road forward. Luis overheard doctors talking and that's how he found out.
"Once I was actually using in the room settled down I actually looked down and seen that one of my legs was missing. It just hit me like wow. It happened and I'm lucky to still be alive. But unfortunately, I've lost a leg," Luis said.
Some days have been hard, others are easy, but for a star soccer player whose life plays out on the field, knowing things won't be the same is tough.
"That's the hardest part. Soccer is my world. I love playing, I love watching. It's an adrenaline. It's passion" Luis said.
While he waits for his prosthetic leg, he's eager to live out his dream of being on the field again. Already making sure he gets a little bit of practice in on his crutches whenever he feels comfortable.
"Whatever it takes. I'll do what I gotta do to go play and see that field again and be out there with my friends. That's the dream," Luis said.
For now, he and his family are thankful he's still here for the holidays. His hope inspires them all.
"Please don't give up on your dreams and keep going. Take it day by day and everything will be just fine. Don't give up," Luis said.
The good news is Luis Zubiaga isn't giving up. He stood up with doctors for the first time since the crash today. His family tells us they are grateful he was wearing a helmet. His journey to recovery will be long, so his family is fundraising for his medical bills. If you'd like to help him tackle this new challenge, their GoFundMe is here.