Franklin Mistaken Death Victim Continues Slow Recovery

In January, a car hit Larry Donell Green on a Franklin County road. Paramedics mistakenly pronounced him dead at the scene, but he was later discovered alive at the morgue. Now, Green is recovering at a rehab center in Wilson.

"When I go see him, it bothers me so much mentally and I really have to do a lot of praying when I see him because I know he's got a long way to go," said Larry Alston, Green's father.

Friends and family held a benefit concert for Greene Thursday. Alston said he is frustrated by his son's slow progress, but said Green does respond when loved ones speak to him.

"He can't talk. He can't walk. He can only signify by blinking his eyes. Sometimes, he may move his hand," Alston said.

Alston said prayers from friends and strangers give his family strength and hope. He knows Green has come a long way since the accident.

"It's a blessing. I mean I'm thrilled. I'm excited but yet, I still hurt," Alston said.

Donations collected at Thursday's event went to Green's family to help them pay for things like gas money to visit him. Alston said he has not been able to work since his son's accident.

"It really uplifts my spirits and really encourages me to go forward," Alston said.

Alston said he is trying to bury other emotions like anger toward the emergency responders who pronounced his son dead, but he strongly believes love and prayer will help his son recover.

Doctors tell the family they cannot be certain whether Green will ever speak or walk again. Family members said for now, they will continue spending every day with him in the rehab center.