Sam Poueu has begun the next stage of recovery from his September building fall.
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"He is undergoing an intense rehabilitation schedule. His recovery has been nothing short of a miracle. He has been blessed with a wonderful medical team," Poueu's family and fiancee Stephanie Anderson said in a statement released to People.
"Witnessing his daily progress is the most hopeful and inspirational experience. Tough days are still ahead but, like always, he is working hard towards a full recovery. We are thankful for your continued thoughts, prayers and support."
Poueu -- who has reportedly been undergoing physical, occupational and speech therapy at the facility -- said he's also thankful for all the support he has received since his accident, as it has inspired him to remain optimistic.
"Words can't express how grateful I am for all the love, support and prayers I've received in the past six weeks -- all of which have been instrumental in my healing and recovery process and in keeping my spirits up," he said in the statement.
According to Poueu's family and Anderson -- whom Poueu got engaged to last fall after they met while competing on the ninth edition of the NBC reality weight-loss competition, which aired in early 2010 -- said Poueu's accident occurred when he went out on to the roof of a friend's apartment building and accidentally locked himself out.
Poueu then "attempted to climb down the fire escape ladder to drop down into the fourth floor balcony and slipped," Anderson and the family said in an earlier statement.
Poueu "suffered many serious internal injuries and a trauma to the right side of his head," according to the statement. According to TMZ, the injuries included a pelvic injury, a punctured lung, a broken leg, and torn ligaments.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
