SALT LAKE CITY (AP)— A man police call the top potential suspect in Elizabeth Smart's kidnapping remained in a coma Thursday night and doctors said they weren't sure he would regain consciousness.

Nearly 48 hours after Richard Albert Ricci collapsed in his prison cell from a brain hemorrhage, he remained in critical condition.

Doctors planned to conduct tests to determine whether Ricci, who worked as a handyman at the Smart home, has brain damage.

Prison spokesman Jack Ford said that if Ricci lived and his family took him off life support, he still would be considered a prisoner. He had been jailed for a parole violation on theft and burglary charges.

Ford said that if Ricci remained in a vegetative state, the Board of Pardons likely would release him.

"The only thing the board's going to be considering is public safety, and if he's incapacitated, he's no further threat," Ford said.

Ricci's wife, Angela, released a statement thanking people for their support. "My heart is broken and I pray for Richard's complete recovery. Again, I love and believe in my husband."

Ricci, 48, called guards Tuesday evening and told them he had trouble breathing. He passed out while they were talking to him and he was flown to the hospital, where he underwent brain surgery.

Ricci has not been charged in the disappearance of 14-year-old Elizabeth, who has not been seen since she was abducted from her bedroom at gunpoint on June 5. He had denied any involvement.