The one-year-old who was saved from a vehicle that crashed into a pond off Bunker Hill Road is awake and has been taken off the ventilator.

Cory Kuchenberg, Weston’s grandfather, Carissa’s father and Bryce Thelen’s father-in-law, said Weston is agitated and most likely dealing with pain, but that the family and health workers are working to keep him comfortable and help him adjust.

“This is a huge step for Wes and hopefully gets us closer to moving on to rehab and starting the next part of this journey,” Kuchenberg said.

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Kuchenberg also went on to say how proud he is of Carissa and Bryce, Weston’s parents.

“I honestly don’t know how they’ve done what they’ve done over the last week,” said Kuchenberg. “The amount of strength and love they have shown Weston and each other has been absolutely amazing to watch. As a dad and father-in-law, I don’t think I could possibly be prouder of those two.”

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The family is asking the community to keep praying for Weston as he continues on the road to recovery.

“Please keep praying for Wes and for a full recovery,” said Kuchenberg. “We still have a long road ahead, but so far, today has been a good day.”

A GoFundMe to help support the family has also been set up.