Dakota Briley Reaches Major Milestone in Recovery After Tragic Car Crash
North Shore surf star Dakota Briley, the son of Pipeline legend Shawn Briley, is showing incredible strength and progress after surviving a devastating car accident earlier this year.
Back in June, Dakota was seriously injured in a horrific crash on the North Shore of Oahu. A vehicle lost control on Kamehameha Highway and pinned him between two cars, leaving him with multiple life-threatening injuries. The 20-year-old suffered a traumatic brain injury, several skull fractures, broken ribs, and a ruptured lung. He was placed in a medically induced coma but miraculously survived.
After initial treatment in Hawaii, Dakota was later moved to Denver, Colorado, to continue his recovery. His family has now shared encouraging updates, calling his recent progress an “incredible milestone.”
According to an update posted on a GoFundMe page set up to help cover his medical expenses, Dakota recently began water rehabilitation therapy. “This past week was an excellent week for him,” his father wrote. “Dakota got to go into the pool for an hour and do rehabilitation for the first time. He had been waiting months for this opportunity. I was able to go into the pool and assist the therapist as well, so it was a big win for Dakota. It was also his first full week eating solid foods — another huge victory.”
For someone who grew up in the water, getting back into a pool marks an important emotional and physical step. Though it’s not the ocean yet, it’s a powerful symbol of hope and healing for the young surfer.
Earlier in his recovery, Dakota woke from his coma and was able to speak. From his hospital bed, he shared a heartfelt message: “I love you all so much. It fills me with joy. Don’t forget, God loves you.”
His family remains optimistic about his recovery and grateful for the support he’s received from the surfing community around the world. Dakota continues to fight with determination, proving that his spirit — like the ocean he loves — remains unbroken.