San Clemente Surfer Paralyzed While Rescuing Child

Josh Collette, a 42-year-old surfer from San Clemente, was paralyzed while trying to rescue an eight-year-old boy from a rip current at Riviera Beach on August 15th.

Collette, originally from Northern California, dove into the ocean to assist the child but struck his head on the ocean floor, resulting in a broken neck. Although the boy was unharmed, Collette was taken to Providence Mission Hospital with severe spinal cord damage, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established by Collette's family to cover medical expenses, raising $465,506 towards a $500,000 goal. His daughter expressed pride in her father's heroic actions, noting his dedication to helping others.