MIAMI – Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Carlos Rosario has gone through several surgeries at Jackson Memorial Hospital since he was critically injured when he was struck by a car Friday while on duty.
"Trooper Rosario continues to improve. He is scheduled for surgery today," FHP Lt. Yosdany Veloz said Monday. "Also, we do have a rotating shift which consist of two troopers 24/7 to assist him and the family with their needs."
The 37-year-old's family, friends and co-workers showed their support for the trooper Sunday by seeing him at the hospital and attending his son's basketball game.
"Carlos was supposed to be here," family friend Art Alvarez said. "We talked on Friday and he wanted to come and support his son, Josh Rosario, who's also playing in the game and CJ, his assistant coach."
A trooper leaving Jackson Memorial Hospital told Local 10 News that he's praying for his colleague daily and that Rosario is in good spirits.
Meanwhile, Rosario's co-workers and family members attended his son's basketball game on his behalf.
"Carlos is still in critical condition, but he’s stable," Alvarez said. "I know that today they're going to do another major surgery on him, which consists of both of his legs.
"Carlos is a very strong individual. He's going to get through through this. He's a Christian man and I know God is behind him."
Rosario, a father of two and a 12-year veteran of the FHP, was struck by a vehicle on the Dolphin Expressway while conducting a traffic stop.
The FHP identified the driver who struck him as Hugo Olivares. According to the FHP, the 26-year-old driver lost control of his car and struck Rosario. He has not been charged in the crash.
Dr. Carl Schulman, a trauma surgeon, said Rosario suffered mostly orthopedic injuries to his face, spine and lower extremities.
The trooper's friends and family were asking the public to contribute to a GoFundMe effort to support his immediate family. Their goal was to raise $50,000.
"We are just really, really, really humbled by all the response that we're getting from people," Rosario's sister, Charleen Ortiz, said. "You know, all of the well wishes and just the GoFundMe page -- you know, the amount of money that's been raised in such a short time."