A Texas teenager suffered a severe spinal cord injury after jumping into a pool to escape a wasp, as reported by his family. SJ Williams, 13, was trying to get away from a wasp with a friend at a community pool when he either dove or flipped head-first into the shallow end of the pool. This resulted in his spinal cord being severed and several other bones being fractured. His family shared on a GoFundMe page that SJ remembers floating face down in the pool, unable to move and thinking he was going to drown. Thankfully, one of his friends realized something was wrong and alerted others, potentially saving his life.
After being rushed to the hospital, SJ’s family received devastating news that his spinal cord injury was so severe that he would not regain the use of his legs and arms. He was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for treatment. Despite the grim prognosis, his family remains hopeful for his recovery.
The incident occurred at a community pool in Old Orchard Park in Frisco, near SJ’s home in Little Elm. As SJ continues his recovery, his family has shared updates on his progress, including being able to eat and drink normally eight days after the accident. SJ’s mother, Anya, emphasized the importance of not taking anything or anyone for granted, urging others to cherish every moment and not assume that accidents only happen to others.
Anya expressed disbelief that this is SJ’s story, emphasizing that he is only 13 years old with so much life ahead of him. She highlighted the outpouring of support and prayers for SJ’s recovery from friends, family, and the community. Despite the challenges ahead, the family remains optimistic about SJ’s future and is grateful for the support they have received.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety, especially during the summer months when many people spend time at pools and other water bodies. It is crucial to be cautious around water and to always be aware of potential dangers, such as shallow depths and obstacles in the water. In addition, having a designated adult supervisor when children are swimming can help prevent accidents and provide immediate assistance if needed.
As SJ continues his journey to recovery, his family’s story serves as a poignant reminder to appreciate the moments we have with our loved ones and to prioritize safety in all activities, especially around water. The community’s support and prayers have been instrumental in SJ’s progress, underscoring the power of unity and compassion in times of adversity.