BOARDMAN — A Boardman teen has opened his eyes after being involved in a crash last weekend.

Khaled Abunoaj, 18, was taken to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital after being struck by a sport utility vehicle while riding his motorcycle about 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

A crash report states that a 2014 Jeep Cherokee was northbound on Market Street in the left turn lane. Abunoaj was southbound on Market, traveling in the curb lane, when the Jeep failed to yield and struck the teen while making a left turn onto U.S. Route 224 westbound.

Barah Albdour, a family friend, explained that Abunoaj had to have a leg amputated and was “not in great condition” earlier in the week, but “pulled through.”

Abunoaj suffered a broken femur and hip.

Albdour said Friday that Abunoaj opened his eyes earlier in the week, and his blood pressure is steady, and a “neurologist cleared his brain of any damage.”

Now, Abunoaj’s support group is staying hopeful he “stays this way so (doctors) can continue on with all the surgeries he needs.”

The crash report confirmed that Abunoaj was taken to the Youngstown hospital.

Earlier this year, Abunoaj pulled a teen from Lake Milton, who later died from injuries after diving into the water, Albdour said.

Abunoaj is an upcoming senior at Boardman High School, and he has six brothers and two sisters, she added.

His family came from Jordan about three years ago, Albdour said.

Her son and Abunoaj are best friends.

Albdour’s kids “are devastated,” she said. “They’re hoping for the best.”

A Gofundme account has been set up to help cover medical expenses.

As of Friday, nearly $15,500 was raised by the crowdfunding site.

afox@tribtoday.com