News Summary
A serious swimming accident at Pacific Beach has resulted in 19-year-old Ethan McCoy from San Diego State University being paralyzed from the chest down. During training for an Ironman competition, Ethan suffered a severe injury caused by a wave, leading to emergency surgery for shattered vertebrae and partial spinal cord severance. Despite a grim prognosis, his family and community rally behind him as he embarks on a challenging rehabilitation journey, supplemented by a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses.
San Diego – A serious swimming accident has left 19-year-old Ethan McCoy, a sophomore at San Diego State University, paralyzed from the chest down. The incident occurred on August 30 while he was swimming with friends near Crystal Pier at Pacific Beach as he trained for an upcoming Ironman competition slated for next year.
According to reports, during the swim, Ethan experienced a significant wave that led to a crash on a sandbar. As a result, he found himself face down in the water and initially struggled to breathe. His friends quickly responded, rescuing him from the water and calling for medical assistance.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Ethan underwent emergency surgery to address three shattered vertebrae in his neck that were injured during the accident. Tragically, it was determined that his spinal cord had been partially severed, leading to his current state of paralysis.
The emotional toll on Ethan’s family has been severe, with his father describing the situation as “devastating.” The family has been navigating a challenging emotional landscape since the incident, grappling with the life-altering implications of Ethan’s injuries. Despite the grim prognosis from doctors – indicating that he may never walk again – Ethan remains determined to challenge those expectations and has begun setting recovery goals.
Known for his strong athletic background in high school sports, including soccer and swimming, Ethan is applying the same dedication to his rehabilitation efforts. His father has made it clear that he does not intend to set limits on his son’s potential, instead encouraging him to pursue his aspirations wholeheartedly.
As part of his recovery journey, Ethan was recently transferred to a specialized rehabilitation facility in Chicago. This facility is expected to offer advanced therapies and support aimed at maximizing his recovery and quality of life following the accident.
In an additional effort to alleviate some of the financial burden associated with his medical care, Ethan’s family has established a GoFundMe campaign. The funds raised through this initiative will help cover the extensive medical expenses that have arisen as a result of his condition.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the serious risks associated with water activities. Safety measures and awareness are paramount for anyone participating in similar recreational endeavors.
The community around San Diego State University, along with friends and family, continue to express their support for Ethan and his family during this profoundly challenging time.
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Additional Resources
- 10 News: SDSU Student Paralyzed in Swimming Accident
- Google Search: Student Swimming Accident SDSU
- Times of San Diego: Teen Drowned – Accident or Negligence?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drowning Accidents
- Fox 5 San Diego: Hazmat Cleaning Pool Chemical Spill
- Google News: Pool Chemical Spill San Diego
- NBC San Diego: Man Drowns While Night Swimming
- Google Search: Night Swimming Accident
- Sacramento Bee: Recent California Drowning Cases
- Wikipedia: Drowning
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
