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A California father of five was paralyzed from the neck down after entering the ocean in an effort to help a young child who his family said was caught in a rip current.
Josh Collette, 42, was spending time with his family at Riviera Beach in San Clemente, California, on Aug. 15, when a child believed to be 7- or 8-years-old became caught in a rip current, the man’s sister, Hillary Collette, told KTLA.
The child’s mother first entered the water to go after her child, but Josh Collette ran past her and dove into the ocean in an effort to help the child, Hillary Collette told the outlet.
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As he entered the water, Collette’s sister said he struck either a sandbar or rocks and was immediately injured.
Several people then rushed to his aid and helped pull him from the water. He told his wife right away that he believed he had broken his neck.
The child Josh Collette was attempting to help was safely pulled out of the water before Collette was brought from the water, his sister said.
Collette’s sister said doctors told the family that Josh Collette was paralyzed from the neck down.
His sister said he was unable to speak but communicated by moving his lips; she said the family expects him to regain his ability to speak.
His family created a GoFundMe as they prepare to help with medical bills, long-term therapy and support for the family as they navigate the long and difficult recovery ahead.
“Josh was hurt in an ocean accident on Sat Aug 15th he has a spinal cord injury,” a family member wrote on the fundraiser. “The road ahead will be long, and the recovery will not be easy, we’re holding on to hope.”
“We believe in miracles! We’ve already seen so many and thank everyone for the love, support, and prayers!” the fundraiser added. “Please keep praying for miracles! Its working!”
‘HERO’ FATHER DROWNS SAVING HIS 12-YEAR-OLD SON FROM RIP CURRENT AT POPULAR BEACH DESTINATION, FAMILY SAYS
In an update shared on Friday, the family said it will take some time for him to no longer need medicine. The family also shared a picture of Josh Collette from his hospital bed.
“Yesterday was so positive and productive! So, it was hard to have a day with less progress. This guy hates medicine! He’s trying hard to get off of everything… but, that’s going to take some time. Thank you so much for all the prayers, love, and support. We love you all so much and feel so loved by all the help you’ve given us. We’re hanging in there and so grateful for all of you,” the family wrote on the fundraiser.
The GoFundMe has raised nearly $110,000 as of Sunday night.
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