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Vigil Held For Seriously Injured Hopkins Student

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A Johns Hopkins University student is in a coma, injured after he was hit by a car while riding his bike.

Kai Jackson explains nearly 100 cyclists rode through Baltimore Wednesday night in honor of Nathan Krasnopoler.

Krasnopoler is in a coma after being hit on his bike, but family and friends are devoting all of their prayers and energy to his recovery.

It's a show of solidarity in East Baltimore as a group of cyclists rally to support Krasnopoler.  The 20-year-old Johns Hopkins sophomore was hit by a car while riding his bike on Feb. 26.

"There's really no way to predict what the outcome will be for him and brain injury is very variable," said his mother, Susan Cohen.

Krasnopoler survived, but remains in a coma at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  He sustained brain injuries, bone fractures, cuts and bruises.  He was trapped under the vehicle when paramedics arrived and received third-degree burns on his face and torso.

City police say an 83-year-old woman trying to make a right turn in her car hit Krasnopoler.

"If you see a bicycle, you really need to pay attention to where it is and if you need to wait a few seconds, wait a few seconds," said his father, Mitchell Krasnopoler.  "Our life has been turned upside down."

Krasnopoler is a computer science major at Johns Hopkins.  A young man who loved urban living and never wanted a car is now inspiring others, who are demanding safety for cyclists.

"The bike lanes aren't clearly marked.  In fact, a lot of times the bike lanes disappear so there's no continuity," said Marla Streb.

Doctors say Krasnopoler will require multiple surgeries to treat his burns.

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