Winona man bounces back after traumatic brain injury - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

WINONA, Minn. (KTTC) -- We all fear the worst at certain times but what happens when those fears are realized?

11 years ago a Winona man found himself in that situation, fighting for his life.

Now, Adrian Torbenson is sharing his love of music and poetry.

In 2001, a drunk and high driver hit Torbenson while he was crossing the road.

Besides breaking several bones and shattering his left leg, he suffered a traumatic brain injury that erased his memory.

"I was in a coma for about half a month. When I woke up I didn't know who I was, what happened to me," Torbenson said.

The 22-year-old says it took him a year to re-learn his ABCs.

He also used photos to remember his family.

"It was super hard and I wanted to give up on my life. Every day. Every day I tried to end my life but I'm glad I didn't succeed," Torbenson said.

Torbenson went on to graduate high school with a 4.0 GPA.

He's now a senior at Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical.

Torbenson still suffers from short-term memory loss.

However, he will graduate from college within the next year.

Torbenson will be performing at Acoustic Cafe in Winona from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 21.