St. Thomas study abroad senior Luke “Sunny” Adams is recovering from a successful surgery after a car struck him as he crossed a street in Beppu, Japan.

Adams has several broken ribs, a punctured lung, jaw broken in two places, missing teeth, a fractured eye socket. He will need a tracheotomy/respirator and physical therapy for some time to overcome nerve damage that would affect his speech and chewing abilities, according to Carl Bennett, Adams’ stepfather and creator of a CaringBridge page. Bennett said there are no brain or limb injuries, and it is currently unknown how long he will be in the hospital.

The incident occurred when Adams went to cross the street with some friends on a green light but stayed behind a moment to hug a friend. Just before he reached the other side, the light turned red and a driver sped through the intersection and hit Adams, Bennett explained.

Adams’ mother, Susan, flew to Japan and recently arrived at Oita University Hospital, where Adams is currently recovering. Susan brought a laptop with her for Adams to see comments from friends and family.

Several of Adams’ friends at St. Thomas held a candlelight vigil for him Friday night. Bennett encouraged the St. Thomas community to visit and write on the CaringBridge site often.

Simeon Lancaster can be reached at lanc4637@stthomas.edu.