Home / Disasters and Accidents / Heroic Dive for Child Leads to Lifelong Paralysis
Heroic Dive for Child Leads to Lifelong Paralysis
26 Aug
Summary
- Man breaks neck diving to save child from rip current.
- He is now completely paralyzed from the neck down.
- Rehabilitation costs could reach $10,000 per day.
Josh Collette, a 42-year-old man, suffered a severe neck injury on August 15 while rescuing a child from a rip current at Riviera Beach in San Clemente, California. The child was being swept out to sea by powerful El Niño-fueled swells that had reshaped the shoreline.
Collette sustained a complete spinal cord injury and is now paralyzed from the neck down, unable to breathe independently or speak. His doctors have described the injury as neurologically complete, meaning there is no preserved movement or sensation below the injury site.
His immediate medical care and subsequent rehabilitation are expected to be exceptionally costly, with potential daily expenses reaching $10,000. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Collette's recovery, extensive outpatient therapy, medical equipment, and family expenses.
Despite the grave prognosis, Collette remains focused on his role as a husband and father, with his wife Rose noting his positive outlook and desire to spend more time with their five children.
