BOSTON (CBS) – The family of a conductor who was struck by his own train in Waltham this week says he is now going through shock.

Donald David, 29, apparently lost his footing and fell off a moving locomotive while performing a safety check of the platform at Brandeis station.

“It’s a shock of change in life and the realization he could have died,” said his brother Leon David.

The train crushed part of his left leg which had to be amputated below the knee. He has now endured two surgeries and is trying to keep a positive outlook from his hospital bed.

“He’s balancing what life will look like moving forward with the reality of the situation he’s going through,” said David.

Part of that support network is marathon bombing survivor Patrick Downes who visited Donald at the hospital to offer encouragement. “He was explaining some questions he had himself when he was in a hospital bed like Donald,” David said.

Leon David says Downes showed his own prosthetic leg to Donald and a large network of family anxious to learn how they can help as well. “He’s miles ahead on this road Donald is just stepping onto,” David said.

His family says they haven’t yet focused on the details of the freak accident, but they know Donald fought for his life not to be dragged under the train. “We just celebrate what is, that he is alive and with us right now,” David said.

His family says with his wife Patricia and two small children he has a lot to focus on.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page for anyone who would like to donate.