Hit-and-run victim awakes from coma, moved to Atlanta

Athens, Ga (GradyNewSource.com) – Nearly three weeks since being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Athens, Emily Bowman was moved to an Atlanta rehabilitation center after awakening from a coma Thursday.

Bowman, 19, of Woodstock, has been in a coma at Athens Regional Medical Center recovering from severe head trauma and other injuries after allegedly being struck by Wilson Heaton’s red pickup truck while she walked with friends along Oak Street on February 16. Bowman’s father Dale said during a press conference in Atlanta Friday that his daughter remains in intensive care.

Heaton, 22, of Cartersville, made his first court appearance in Athens Thursday. He faces charges including hit-and-run and driving under the influence. He remains in the Athens-Clarke County Jail pending the posting of a $50,000 bond, which would released him into house arrest.

With the move to the Shepherd Center, which focuses on head and spinal injuries, Bowman moves out of Athens and closer to her hometown.