Update: Randal McCloy Jr.

The sole survivor of the Sago Mine explosion on Jan. 2 that killed 12 other coal miners, Randal McCloy Jr., 26, is making “miraculous” strides, his doctors say. Still undergoing therapy at a rehab center in Morgantown, W.Va., McCloy–brain damaged from inhaling carbon monoxide for more than 40 hours–can walk with help and speaks well enough to ask for hamburgers, says family spokeswoman Aly Goodwin Gregg. McCloy–below, with daughter Isabel before the accident–made his first visit home last week and feasted on ribs. He should be well enough to go home for good in two weeks, says Dr. Julian Bailes. “This doesn’t guarantee he will ever return to normalcy, but we’re very enthusiastic.” McCloy’s memory of the accident is hazy, but one thing is certain: if and when he can work, he’s getting a new job.