Hampton Beach, New Hampshire – A teenager remains in intensive care after a diving accident at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, on Monday afternoon left him with severe injuries.
The 19-year-old, Aiden Sloan, was enjoying the day with his cousins, diving into the waves to beat the heat, when the tragic accident occurred.
A Sudden Tragedy
Aiden was diving into the waves when he unexpectedly hit a sandbar, which was not visible to anyone.
The Hampton Beach Fire Chief, Michael McMahon, explained that Aiden’s miscalculation of the water’s depth led to him colliding head-on with the sandbar, knocking him unconscious.
“He was just, like, not moving at all,” said one of Aiden’s cousins. “It was like we were carrying a dead body.” The cousins quickly dragged him to the shore, where they realized he wasn’t breathing. Thankfully, they acted fast and managed to get him to safety.
Severe Injuries and Ongoing Recovery
The accident left Aiden with a broken neck, leaving him unable to move his legs or hands. His mother, Melina Burton, described how Aiden is struggling, but still remains hopeful as he fights for his recovery.
According to a GoFundMe page set up for him, Aiden has regained some ability to move his arms but remains unable to move his legs. The family is now facing the daunting journey of recovery, as Aiden’s prognosis is uncertain at this time.
Doctors are cautiously optimistic about his recovery due to Aiden’s age and strength. He was able to undergo surgery within 12 hours of the injury, which may give him an advantage as he works toward healing.
Family Support and Community Help
In addition to the emotional and financial support from his family, Aiden is receiving assistance from his employer, Greenleaf Milford, where he works as a chef at the Nash Casino.
The restaurant is contributing to Aiden’s medical expenses by donating a portion of its sales.
“Aiden joined our Greenleaf family at a young age, and we watched him grow as a person and a cook over the years. We have our full love and support for him during these difficult times,” Greenleaf Milford posted on their Facebook page.
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A Long Road Ahead
Aiden’s mother, Melina, expressed how emotional the situation has been. She explained how Aiden, who is known for his positive and upbeat personality, has become tearful and defeated during the recovery process.
“They (doctors) ask him multiple times a day if he can move his hands and fingers, if he could move his feet and toes, and if he can lift his knees,” she said. “He gets very defeated and hopeless when he can’t.”
Despite the challenges ahead, the family remains hopeful and continues to rally around Aiden as he faces this life-changing situation.
How to Help
To support Aiden in his recovery, donations can be made to the GoFundMe page, where the family continues to raise funds for Aiden’s medical expenses, rehabilitation, and recovery process.
Any support from the community is greatly appreciated as they navigate these incredibly difficult times.
Aiden’s story is one of hope, strength, and community support. As he continues his journey towards recovery, we encourage you to share your thoughts and well wishes for him in the comments below. Every message of support makes a difference in helping him stay strong during this difficult time.
Also, if you want to stay updated on Aiden’s progress and other heartwarming stories, make sure to visit our website at ridgecrestpact.org.
