OVERCOME: Zurita undergoes liver transplant after weeks hospitalized

By ALEXANDREA
BAILEY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com

In late May of 2023, Pete Zurita, 42-year-old father of two, was found unresponsive in the middle of the street. After being transported to the hospital, it was discovered that he had two broken ribs and also needed a liver transplant. The cause of this injury is unknown, and according to Pete Zurita’s ex-wife of nine years, Lisa Zurita, he does not remember the events of the evening before he was found.

Pete Zurita was born in Harlingen, Texas, raised in Port Isabel and currently resides in South Padre. He attended university in Dallas, Texas, and also attended The Art Institute of Houston. According to Lisa Zurita, he is an intelligent extrovert who loves music and dancing, is always willing to lend a helping hand, and possess a witty sense of humor and a talent for cooking.

“Pete rarely gets mad and takes things in stride,” stated Lisa Zurita.

As of June 2, Pete Zurita began physical therapy to learn how to walk again as well as regain his balance when sitting or standing. On June 2, a huge milestone was crossed – he was able to brush his teeth on his own. However, at this time, his liver damage was progressing rapidly. He would have to be transferred to Houston, Texas, in order to undergo the transplant.

Pete Zurita was transported to Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston on June 4. According to Lisa Zurita, the transfer was rough. She remembers his skin looking “so yellow” in the sun. His kidneys began to fail, and he immediately started dialysis.

Prior to this incident, Pete Zurita was assistant manager at Las Brisas Condominium, but has since lost his job and his home. A gofundme has been set up to help him get back on his feet. Tom and Jerry’s Beach Club Bar and Grill on South Padre Island also threw a fundraiser for his benefit on June 3.
“The way the SPI and Port Isabel Community has come out to support Pete has been beautiful,” stated Lisa Zurita.

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