California dad paralyzed from neck down after diving into ocean to rescue child
Summarized from yahoo.com
On August 15, 2023, Josh Collette, a 42-year-old father of five, was paralyzed from the neck down after entering the ocean at Riviera Beach in San Clemente, California, to assist a child approximately 7 or 8 years old who was caught in a rip current, according to information provided by his sister, Hillary Collette, to KTLA. Collette reportedly ran past the child’s mother, who had initially entered the water, and dove in to help. Upon entering the water, Collette struck either a sandbar or rocks, sustaining an immediate injury. He was subsequently rescued by several bystanders and informed his wife that he suspected he had broken his neck. The child was safely rescued before Collette was brought out of the water.
Medical professionals informed the family that Collette’s injury resulted in paralysis from the neck down. Although unable to speak, he communicates by moving his lips, and his family anticipates that he will eventually regain the ability to speak. To support Collette’s medical expenses, long-term therapy, and the family’s needs during the recovery process, a GoFundMe campaign was established. As of Sunday night, the fundraiser had raised nearly $110,000. The family has shared updates on Collette’s progress, noting both positive developments and challenges, such as his difficulty with medication, while expressing gratitude for the public’s support and prayers. 1