A tragic incident occurred at Daytona Beach, Florida, where a surfer is currently fighting for his life after a horrific wipeout left him with severe head injuries. Jorge Alvarado, 49, was out on the water when he is believed to have struck a sandbar before crashing into the Sunglow Pier piling around 9 a.m., according to Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue and the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
A bystander witnessed Alvarado “strike a piling with his head before going under in an unguarded area,” county ocean rescue director Tamra Malphurs told the outlet. It took several minutes to free him from the wreckage before he was rushed to the hospital, where he is currently on life support.
Alvarado’s friends and acquaintances have expressed their shock at how quickly such an accident can happen, with Chis Chibbaro telling WKMG, “There were a few people right on scene who got to him and bravely went out there to get him out and as soon as they got him out Volusia County was here and went to work right away.
Brian Holmes, another friend of Alvarado’s, stated that the surfer’s accident is incredibly rare. We’ve all taken hundreds of falls like this and some of us have had close calls, rubbing into the bottom a few times but you really have to fall just right to have an injury like this,” Holmes told the station.
Holmes also described Alvarado as a “jovial spirit” who makes friends quickly and is like a father or uncle to younger surfers in the community. In response to the accident, Alvarado’s friends have started a fundraiser that has raised more than $13,000 so far to help support him and his family during this difficult time.
The GoFundMe post states, “Jorge is loved by so many people and we want to make sure as a community that we take care of him and his family during this difficult time.” The funds raised will go towards medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and any other necessary support for the injured surfer and his loved ones.
Surfing accidents like Alvarado’s are incredibly rare but serve as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers involved in the sport. As the surfing community comes together to support their fellow surfer during this difficult time, it is essential that we remain vigilant and aware of our surroundings when participating in any high-risk activities.
