Community Rallies For South OC Teen Released From Hospital

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Eighty-eight days have gone by since South Orange County senior Cruz Melendez has been home.

The Trabuco Hills High School student was critically injured in a crash in Rancho Santa Margarita on May 24, and has spent the last three months at Children's Health Orange County hospital in Mission Viejo.

On Saturday, Cruz was discharged from the hospital and received the homecoming of a lifetime. Countless family members, supportive friends, Orange County firefighters and members of the community waited outside of the hospital to greet the senior.

The 17-year-old was seriously injured after he was hit head-on by another car in Rancho Santa Margarita earlier this year. The driver of the other vehicle was killed in the crash, according to previous reports.

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The crash left the multi-sport athlete with critical injuries, and he's spent the last three months recovering. Cruz has undergone 16 different surgeries, including having his right leg amputated.

Former Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor and current city council member Brad McGirr attended the gathering on Saturday, and told Patch that the mood of the afternoon was heavy with celebration.

"From the very beginning of Cruz's ordeal, our city wrapped its arms around Cruz and his family," McGirr said, adding that the city was able to help the Melendez family by purchasing T-shirts, hats and wristbands, as well as donating through the Melendez family's GoFundMe account.

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"As a family-friendly city, I wasn't surprised at all at the level of love and support provided by our residents and business community," McGirr said. "Cruz is a remarkable young man, and I'm certain that he'll prove to be an inspiration to many."

While the road to recovery has been a tough one for Cruz, his loved ones say his resilience and strength will make anything possible for him in the future.

"I try to keep my mindset as positive as possible," Cruz told KTLA. "I have broken down a few times because of how hard it has been, but I try to stay positive. God's got me."