Junior Mark Brett, who was in a coma and suffered severe head trauma in a Jan. 27 car accident on Route 96B, has regained consciousness and is in stable condition.

Junior Brittany Gagliardo, who was in the car with Brett at the time of the accident, said the vehicle began to fishtail after Brett slowed to the 30 mph speed limit, causing it to swerve into the other lane before swerving back and hitting a utility pole on the side of the road.

“It was definitely the scariest moment of my life,” Gagliardo said. “After I called to Mark a few times and he didn’t answer, I called 911.”

Brett was taken to Cayuga Medical Center shortly after 8 p.m., when the accident occurred. Gagliardo said he was in a coma and was sent to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pa., after about two hours at CMC.

“We were all just hoping for the best at that point,” Gagliardo said.

Brett woke from his coma last Saturday and has since had his breathing tube removed. Doctors said he will have some brain damage, but his recovery should be speedy.

Gagliardo said she visited Brett on Tuesday, and his sense of humor was alive and well.

“He’s been joking around with everyone. It’s nice to see his sense of humor is still intact,” she said. “I’m just so relieved he’s alright.”

An open prayer service was held in Muller Chapel last night for Brett’s friends and well-wishers.

Dave Maley, associate director of media relations, said the service was held to create a sense of community and also to provide an outlet for those looking to offer support to Brett and his friends and family.