The Chelsea High School student who was severely injured after being hit by a car in September spoke his first words since the accident earlier this week, according to his mother.

Kersch Ray

Courtesy of Facebook

Kersch Ray was struck by a vehicle on the morning of Sept. 2 while he and his cross country team were on a training run at Old US-12 and Freer Road. The accident sent Kersch into a coma for 10 days, and he’s been in rehabilitation for two broken legs and a closed head injury.

On Monday, Kersch said his first word in 52 days — a simple “bye,” according to his mother Jackie Ray’s post on a Facebook page devoted to news on his recovery. On Wednesday, Kersch began spelling his name and answering questions, she said.

Jackie Ray said the speech therapist told Kersch — who was unaware his mom was watching from behind him — that if he said, “Mom” that Jackie Ray would appear at his side. After he said “Mom,” Jackie Ray went right next to him and asked how he was doing, to which Kersch responded, “Good Mom, good,” she said.

Kersch also was able to call his father and tell him “Hi Dad” and talk to a number of family and friends, including nurses who have been caring for him, on the phone, Jackie Ray said.

The latest steps in Kersch’s recovery are encouraging. Just two weeks ago he had been able to hold a pen and attempt to write and began attempting to eat his favorite food, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

Jackie Ray thanked the community for supporting her family throughout this period on the Facebook page.

Chelsea High School hosted a spaghetti dinner for the family on Tuesday, one of many fundraisers that have been held to help pay Kersch’s medical bills and aid in his recovery.

“I am overwhelmed at the tremendous amount of support this community and beyond has done,” she said, “from all of the donors to everyone who came to dinner. Words cannot begin to say thank you to each and every one of you who have been a part of not only this fundraiser but the daily prayers, kind words and so much more.”

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.