March 29, 2023 was supposed be just another work day in Jakarta for coach Kenneth “FlySolo” Coloma.
The Filipino import, in his usual calm and collected demeanor, was focused on leading his then-team, Pendekar Esports to an all-important win against A8 PABZ to boost their chances of securing a playoff spot at the MDL Indonesia Season 7.
Alongside the management staff, they headed out in light spirits, knowing very little of the horror that awaited them en route the MDL venue.
In an exclusive interview with ONE Esports, the Filipino coach looked back on the happenings of that fateful day and how his mindset changed as he leads another team here at the M5 World Championship.
- Exclusive: Think you can master the hardest assassin in MLBB? Hoon gives best advice
- ONIC Kairi: ‘My mom wanted to call the cops on me’
FlySolo recounts happenings of March 29 crash and how it shaped his mentality in M5
“I was sitting up front, and it probably turned over like this,” he said as his hands gestured a spiral motion. “I honestly don’t remember anything after the loud sound.”
That Wednesday afternoon, the BMW carrying the entire management team of Pendekar Esports collided with a truck on a highway west of Jakarta which left FlySolo unconscious.
| CHECK OUT OUR EXCLUSIVE M5 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STORIES |
| Exclusive: ECHO’s Bennyqt predicts this marksman hero will make a splash at M5 |
| Exclusive: What’s holding back MPL MY teams at international tournaments? Filipino pro explains |
“I was in a coma for one week. I remember just waking up in the hospital,” his eyes leaned sideways as if still mapping what had transpired months prior.
He revealed that his team members were the ones to relay to him about the accident.
According to FlySolo, he spent a total of 21 days in the hospital before finally getting back to his feet again.
Even now, he shared that he is still physically suffering from the impact of the accident. He has a hard time bending down and forward. He also continues to battle with ringing in his ears.
“The doctors told me that I need at least a year to fully recover,” he said.
Despite the trauma, the former MLBB and Dota 2 pro assured that this will not stop him in his attempt to defy all odds with Russian organization Deus Vult in the M5 World Championship.
“I’m just thankful that I’m still alive, and I’ll make sure to make the best out of this golden opportunity.”
Follow ONE Esports on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for MLBB esports news, guides, and updates.
READ MORE: Exports Kairi and Yeb return home for M5 — do Filipino fans care?
