A TEENAGER has woken up from a coma three weeks after a car crash which killed his friend, his family said last night.

Joe Robinson, from Thame, remains in intensive care in the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, in a serious condition after the smash on the A34 Oxford Bypass between the Pear Tree and Botley roundabouts on April 7.

But the 19-year-old’s parents, Kevin and Judi, have expr-essed hope after revealing the former St Edward’s School pupil awoke from his coma on Sunday and has been communicating with doctors and family. He has also had his medication reduced.

The gap year student is moving his lips and forming words and showing signs of memory, his family said.

Mr Robinson added: “He was in a critical condition, but is now out of the coma he was in. On the whole things are looking fairly good. We are feeling more confident.

“He has improved and taken giant steps forward having woken up from a coma.

“He is making attempts to communicate, although we know it is at an early stage. We are hopeful.”

It is not yet known what, if any, the long-term consequences will be for the youngster.

The teenager had played rugby for Chinnor RFC and cricket for Thame Town and was a member of rugby side London Wasps’ player development centre.

Friend and fellow passenger Grace Hadman, 17, who also attended St Edward’s School, in North Oxford, died in the early morning incident. Two other teenagers who attended the school were injured. One, a 17-year-old boy, from Boar’s Hill, suffered minor injuries in the crash.

And a 17-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire was arrested and bailed on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Mr Robinson – known to friends as ‘Robbo’ and ‘Bod’ – won a place to study at Exeter University later this year.

He had returned from travelling in Bangkok as part of his gap year shortly before the crash after saving up money by working as a rugby coach at St Edward’s in the winter.

About 500 people attended Miss Hadman’s funeral in Gloucestershire earlier this month.

So far, no witnesses have contacted police. They still want to speak to anyone who may have information. Call them on 08458 505505.