A star Albertville High School athlete is recovering after being struck by an automobile Friday night.

According to the Gadsden Times, Alberville cross-country runner Daniel Leija was running with a group of other runners on a trail in Guntersville when he was struck. The incident occurred near the intersection of Highway 69 and Sunset Drive.

Leija – a 17-year-old defending Marshall County cross country champ – was airlifted to Huntsville Hospital, according to Huntsville TV station WAFF, where he’s reportedly undergone three surgeries thus far. As of Sunday morning, Leija was awake and communicating.

According to a Facebook post by Guntersville’s The Advertiser Gleam, there have been “many near-misses” at that same trail crossing. City leaders previously recognized the crossing as being a safety issue for local runners and walkers. Guntersville was awaiting funding from a pending Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program grant to help make the crossing safer.

The Albertville City School District released the following statement regarding Leija:

“Daniel is not only an exceptional athlete but also a beloved member of our school family. Daniel’s dad, Eli, is a faculty member at AHS, and his mom, Lydia, teaches at Albertville Primary School. Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with Daniel’s family during this difficult time.

“In the past weeks, we’ve witnessed the incredible power of our community coming together. Now, it’s time for us to unite once again, extending our unwavering support to Daniel and his family. Let us hold our students close, providing the strength and compassion they need during this challenging time.”