Bicyclist hurt in truck hit-and-run on Long Island emerges from coma

HOLBROOK, N.Y. -- A man critically injured in a hit and run crash on Long Island has awakened from his coma, as police search for the driver involved in the accident.

Bradley Samuel, 43, of East Patchogue, was riding his bike east on Veterans Memorial Highway around 9 p.m. Monday in Holbrook when he was hit. The driver, who also was driving east, fled the scene.

The suspect was driving a 2012 or newer Hino Series 200 or Series 300 box truck. The passenger side-view mirror glass was recovered at the scene, but the mounting bracket and mirror may still be on the truck.

Police have released a new surveillance photo of that truck.

Samuel was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma with head injuries.

Samuel is the father of eight children. "He's a great guy, he's given his life really to support us and take care of his kids. He doesn't really ask for anything for himself," his wife Aia Samuel said.

Now the family hopes you can do something to help him.

Samuel is a graphic designer and was returning home from work when he was struck and critically injured. "It's hard not having him around," said Aia.

"Because of his general healthy condition we were able to remove the breathing tube and he's now responding to us and breathing on his own which is very, very gratifying," said Dr. Marc Shapiro of Stony Brook University Hospital.

Aia Samuel is now left caring for her children, homeschooling five of them and figuring out how to support them all financially.

Her husband is the sole breadwinner of the house.

"He's a hard worker and I love him," said Aia.

Police say the truck would be missing the glass from the passenger side mirror.

Samuel's children are pleading for you to call police if you see it.

They would be even more thankful than they already are.

"I just want to thank everyone who's been so great in helping us. God is good and we're just trusting that he's going to heal him," said Aia.

Police are asking anyone with information about the case to call (631) 852-6555 or 1-800-220-TIPS.