Countryway Motorcyclist in Coma

The 26-year-old Tampa man whoseon Countryway Boulevard on Friday remains in serious condition.

John Pelaez is currently in a mild coma, and his injuries include spinal injuries, according to his brother Julian Pelaez.

"The doctors are waiting for him to become stable enough to start tests," Julian said in an email.

On Friday around 6 p.m., Pelaez was headed north on Countryway Boulevard towards Oaksbury Drive when his 2003 Ducati motorcycle was hit by a 2012 Hyundai driven by 18-year-old Michael A. Conlon. Pelaez, who was wearing a helmet according to reports, was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital with serious injuries.

John Pelaez had been riding a motorcylce for three years, brother Julian said.

"It was something he had always wanted to do," Julian wrote, adding his brother often took precautions such as "having someone follow him to ensure safety from other vehicles crossing him or tailgating."

The accident has left the family stunned, he said.

"It was tragic to hear that my brother (being the careful person he is) end up in an accident, especially a motorcycle accident so close to home," Julian wrote. "As time progresses my family has gotten stronger, still hurt and scared of what the outcome will be. We have found a way to hold our tears in and put faith towards my brother's recovery."

The crash remains under investigation. No charges have been filed, said Larry McKinnon, Hillsborough County Sheriff's spokesman.