SC sheriff's deputy in serious condition after motorcycle crash

An off-duty South Carolina sheriff's deputy is in a medically-induced coma after authorities say he crashed into a car on Aug. 13 while riding his motorcycle.

The 25-year-old Lancaster County Sheriff's deputy wasn't wearing his helmet, according to the deputy's brother. He was off-duty at the time.

Paul "Pablo" Blas had to be airlifted to a local hospital and immediately underwent surgery.

"This could have been a lot worse. He could not have been here right now and I’m glad he is," said his brother, Joseph Blas.

Pablo Blas has been working his dream job as a sheriff's deputy.

"When he recovers hopefully he can continue doing what he loves and helping people," his brother told WCNC.

According to a post from Blas' family on a GoFundMe page, it could be up to a year and a half before Blas is fully recovered from his injuries.

"They are expecting Pablo to have speech problems and physical issues from the wreck and the trauma his brain has suffered," the GoFundMe page says. "His fiancé, Taylor, is staying strong during this tough time for Pablo and is appreciative of all the love and support she and Pablo have received."

The page, which is raising money to help cover medical expenses for Blas' family, has raised $9,000 of its set $100,000 goal.