Family of woman attacked in Mexico releases statement

Weeks after she was brutally attacked while on holiday in Mexico, the family of Sheila Nabb has released a statement with an update on the Calgary woman's progress.

The statement, written by the victim's husband Andrew Nabb, reads as follows:

The past few weeks have been very difficult for Sheila and the rest of our family. She has been through a lot and is now in hospital in Calgary, with myself and her family at her side.

On Saturday (January 28), Sheila had extensive reconstructive surgery; a procedure which the doctors say was successful. Since this time she has spent a few days recovering in the Intensive Care Unit. Although she is still sedated, she has been very responsive and we are happy to see small improvements every day.

Sheila's injuries were very serious and she has a long recovery ahead, but we are looking forward to having her back home where she belongs.

I would like to thank Canadians from coast-to-coast for their concern and support, and ask that you continue to keep Sheila and our family in your prayers and continue sending us positive energy.

I would also like to thank the media for continuing to respect our family's privacy during this difficult time.

The statement was issued Thursday by Alberta Health Services.

Sheila Nabb, 37, was found severely beaten in an elevator at the Hotel Riu Emerald Bay in Mazatlan on Saturday, January 21.

She was placed in a medically-induced coma in hospital in Mexico immediately.

A family spokesperson said she was so badly beaten every bone in her face was broken.

Although it was first thought she would have to remain in Mexico for several weeks before she could be moved, she was brought back to Canada days after she was found.

Nabb is being treated in hospital in Calgary.

Mexican authorities have arrested Jose Ramon Acosta Quintero, 28, in connection with the attack.

Quintero has been charged with attempted murder in the case, however since then he has said he was forced to sign a confession – and wasn't allowed to read the document listing the crimes he confessed to.

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  Sheila Nabb and her husband Andrew are shown in a family handout photo. The family of Nabb, a Calgary woman who was severely beaten in Mexico, says she is out of a medically induced coma and is able to recognize her husband at her bedside.

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  Calgary woman attacked

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  Jose Ramon Acosta Quintero, aka "El Ray", is escorted by soldiers during his presentation to the press in Mazatlan, Mexico, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012. Acosta Quintero is accused by state authorities of being the man responsible in the brutal beating of Sheila Nabb, 37, a Canadian woman at a five-star resort in Mazatlan. Authorities are trying to find out whether Quintero was involved in other attacks on tourists, according to the Sinaloa state Attorney General. (AP Photo/Christiann Davis)