Shawn Dollar: 34-Year-Old Pro Surfer Breaks His Neck In Four Places
Professional surfer Shawn Dollar reportedly broke his neck in four places in a surfing accident Monday.
According to Daily Mail, the 34-year-old suffered this major injury after falling from a surfboard in California.
Pro-surfer Shawn Dollar breaks his neck after an accident out at sea http://t.co/cGjHj0AJnN
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The report further claims that Shawn, who also suffered a concussion from the fall, was surfing waves higher than 25 feet near the central Californian coast.
From his hospital bed, Shawn confirmed the news and gave his fans an update about his condition on Instagram on Wednesday.
“As news is getting out, I wanted to let you know that I’m [in] stable condition and going to be okay. I expect a full recovery. I’m extremely lucky. I’m sorry to share the news this way to my family and friends but as I lay in my hospital bed I need rest and getting back to everyone isn’t possible.”
Shawn Dollar concluded his statement with an inspirational message to his fans and followers in addition to an expression of gratitude to his family and friends.
“Every day is a gift. Tell the people around you how much you love them because it’s all that matters… Thank you to all my family and friends for all the support. I feel so loved”
The Daily Mail reports that Shawn remained conscious after his life-threatening fall, which allowed him to find a way to move himself out of harm’s way. Dollar was later airlifted to a nearby hospital.
According to the report, Shawn made sure that he thanked the people who helped him through that emergency, an experience that could have taken his life.
“I’m so grateful for those who where there in my scariest and darkest hour and who acted on my behalf to get me to safety and reach the hospital in time.”
Dollar made headlines in 2013 for a record-setting surf that he accomplished on December 21, 2012.
According to the Guinness World Records website, Shawn rode a wave with a confirmed height of 61 feet from trough to crest. The record was previously held by Shane Dorian and his 57-foot wave in Maui in 2011.
Shawn Dollar is apparently not allowing his near-death experience to keep him away from riding the waves once again as soon as he able to do so. With his “family’s support and community encouragement,” the married father of two states that he “will be back in no time.”
[Image Credit: Shawn Dollar Instagram & Ezra Shaw/Getty Images]
