Less than a month after a traffic accident that left him on life support, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Dave Smith was able to head home from the hospital. He told the the North County Times Tuesday what he had his heart set on doing:
"I'm going to go home and see the dog."
Smith can speak clearly and walk with assistance, but he still suffers from nerve damage and double vision, according to KFMB-TV.
Smith was riding his motorcycle in Rancho Bernardo when he was hit from behind by alleged drunk driver Jessica Bloom, who ironically is the wife of a Marine. Prosecutors say the 21-year-old Bloom had a blood alcohol level of .37 when she hit Smith, then fled the scene. She faces multiple felony charges.
During Smith's 17 year career in the Marine Corps, he received the Bronze Star. He is stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot.
KFMB-TV reporter Jeff Zevely interviewed Smith upon his departure from the hospital:
