He was holding a Bible and reading Psalm 63 when disaster struck.
Helio Neto, 31, a player of the Chapecoense Brazilian football club, was one of six people who survived the crash in Colombia of LaMia Flight 2933 on Nov. 28, killing 71 of the 77 people on board, including 19 of his teammates, according to various reports. The British-made Avro RJ85 aircraft came down, apparently due to lack of fuel, en route to Medellin, where Brazilian side Chapecoense were due to play in the Copa Sudamericana final.
He and teammate Alan Ruschel, the only other footballer who survived the crash, have already returned to Brazil to recuperate, according to The Sun.
Neto and Ruschel both believe they survived because God wanted it.
Minutes before the crash, Neto was apparently reading Psalm 63, which says: "On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night; Because you have been my help; Then I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings. My soul follows you closely; Your right hand upholds me."
Neto's Bible was found at the scene of the crash and was handed to the footballer's wife, Simone, according to The Daily Mail.
His wife said Neto is deeply religious and takes the Bible with him everywhere he goes.
A bookmark had been inserted next to Psalm 63, which appeared to suggest that Neto was reading that particular verse before the crash.
The tattered Bible was found in the middle of the mangled remains of the plane.
Neto appeared to have had a premonition of the crash, according to his wife. This was because he told her on the morning of the flight that he had had a dream their plane had crashed.
Neto underwent extensive surgery on his lung, knee and wrist but has been told he will be able to play again, The Sun reported.
His father took to Facebook to share the news saying: "I can inform with much satisfaction and happiness that my son is getting better and better. They've just operated on his legs and the doctors have assured that he will be able to return playing football."
Reports said Neto had no memory of what happened when he woke up from his coma. One of the first things he reportedly asked doctors was who won the South American Championship.
Neto was also confused why he wasn't allowed to play in the final and then questioned why he was in hospital, The Sun reported.
Meanwhile, Ruschel, 27, posted on social media: "God's plans are greater than mine, so great that you cannot imagine. Thanks to everyone for your love, strength, your prayers and positive thoughts."
He posted a photo showing him next his family. He wrote: "We continue the fight and we will honour the ones that died. God, I ask you to comfort their relatives! God, thank you for the mercy in this miracle, the Lord is wonderful, Thank you!"
