His prognosis "very bright," Dustin Frost was released from Community Medical Center in Missoula Friday morning, three weeks after suffering a severe head injury in a boat crash at Flathead Lake.

Frost, the state director for U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, is the last of five people injured in the Aug. 27 crash at Wayfarers State Park to leave the hospital. Also injured were Rehberg, state Sen. Greg Barkus of Kalispell - who was driving the boat, his wife Kathy Barkus, and Kristin Smith, the congressman's deputy chief of staff.

Frost's family announced his discharge in a written statement, saying he "has progressed in his recovery much faster than originally anticipated."

The release quoted Missoula physician Dean Ross saying: "He has a very bright prognosis for recovery of high-level intellectual functions, enabling return to his work in the months ahead. Dustin has achieved independence for routine daily activities, including walking. He will continue to bring a determined attitude to each session, challenging his therapists to keep up with him."

Frost will continue his rehabilitation on an outpatient basis, working with Community Medical Center's Bridges Program - which provides rehabilitation for post-acute brain injuries and "will aid Dustin's assimilation back into the community," his family said.

The statement continued: "The Frost family is extremely grateful to the dedicated professionals at Community Medical Center who have given Dustin the highest level of care. The thoughts and prayers of so many supporters across Montana have helped carry Dustin and the Frost family through these difficult times."

Frost spent two weeks at Kalispell Regional Medical Center immediately following the crash, then moved to Community's rehab center last week.

The accident occurred about 10:20 p.m. on Aug. 27, as Barkus was driving Rehberg, Frost and Smith back to their resort rooms in Bigfork following a dinner across the lake in Lakeside.

The powerboat was traveling fast enough to be propelled completely out of the water when it hit shear rock cliffs below the Wayfarers campground, coming to rest at a near 45-degree angle on the steep shoreline. Campers responded quickly, likely saving the lives of Frost, who was face-down in the water, and others on board.

The Flathead County attorney is awaiting results of Barkus' BAC before deciding what charges, if any, to file in connection with the crash.