24-year-old who suffered a critical brain injury in crash, says first words since accident

A 24-year-old who suffered a critical brain injury in a moped crash in Providence, spoke his first words since the crash.

The progress was announced Monday night by Jhamal Gonsalves’ father Mark.

“The cost of having Jhamal Gonsalves home is out of pocket, but the progress has already started a faster recovery. Proving that because of the love of our family and all of you, his extended family, Saturday he spoke his first words since that unforgettable day in October. Jhamal is very grateful and is aware of all of you that have supported him through the toughest time of his life. We explained to him in detail about everything all of you have done for him, so a big thank you from Jhamal and all of us to all of you. Keep praying and before you know it life will continue where it left off. A young and beautiful high school sweetheart couple getting married and starting the rest of their life’s together with a whole bunch of grandchildren.”

Several officers were disciplined in January concerning the crash.

Officer Kyle Endres received a two day suspension, the maximum that he could be suspended without pay.

Three other officers were given a verbal warning for not using their body cameras.

Two additional officers received future punishment concerning how witnesses were dealt with at the scene.

In January, Attorney General Peter Neronha and RI State Police announced that an investigation ruled that Officer Endres did not hit the moped driven by Gonsalves.

Mark Gonsalves has stated that a civil lawsuit was filed charging the Providence Police Department with excessive force and physical brutality along with causing Jhamal to lose control of his moped and become severely injured.