A California father of five suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the neck down after diving into the ocean to help a child caught in a rip current. Josh Collette, 42, was at Riviera Beach in San Clemente with his family on Aug. 15 when the incident occurred. His family says he remains unable to speak but can communicate by moving his lips.
The child was safely removed from the water before Collette was brought to shore. His family has established a fundraiser to help pay for medical bills, long-term therapy and other support during his recovery.
The family said Collette has made positive progress but will need time to reduce his medication and continue treatment. The fundraiser had collected nearly $110,000 as of Sunday night.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | The rescue attempt at Riviera Beach |
| 2) | The impact of the ocean accident |
| 3) | Hospitalization and communication |
| 4) | Family fundraiser and recovery needs |
| 5) | Support as treatment continues |
The rescue attempt at Riviera Beach
Josh Collette was spending time with his wife and five children at Riviera Beach in San Clemente, California, on Aug. 15. According to his sister, Hillary Collette, a child believed to be 7 or 8 years old became caught in a rip current.
The child’s mother entered the water first in an attempt to help. Hillary Collette said Josh then ran past her and dove into the ocean. The child was eventually pulled safely from the water, while several people assisted Collette after he was injured.
The impact of the ocean accident
Collette’s family said he struck either a sandbar or rocks as he entered the water. The impact caused an immediate injury, and people at the beach helped pull him from the ocean.
Collette told his wife immediately that he believed he had broken his neck. Doctors later told the family that he was paralyzed from the neck down. The circumstances described by his family indicate that the injury occurred during the rescue attempt rather than after the child was removed from the water.
Hospitalization and communication
Collette remains hospitalized while doctors and his family manage the effects of his spinal cord injury. His sister said he is currently unable to speak, but he can communicate by moving his lips.
The family expects him to regain his ability to speak. They have also said that his recovery will be lengthy and difficult, with continued medical care and therapy required as he works toward further progress.
Family fundraiser and recovery needs
Collette’s family created an online fundraiser to help cover medical bills, long-term therapy and support for the household during the recovery process. The fundraiser describes the injury as an ocean accident and asks supporters to remain hopeful.
“The road ahead will be long, and the recovery will not be easy, we’re holding on to hope.”
The family also wrote that it believes in miracles and expressed gratitude for the prayers, love and financial assistance it has received. Nearly $110,000 had been raised by Sunday night.
Support as treatment continues
In an update shared Friday, the family said the day before had been positive and productive, although progress had slowed. They said Collette was trying to reduce his medication, but that the process would take time.
A photograph shared by the family showed Collette in his hospital bed. His relatives said they remain grateful for the support and are focused on helping him through the medical treatment and rehabilitation ahead.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Josh Collette was injured while trying to help a child caught in a rip current. |
| 2 | The child was safely removed from the water. |
| 3 | Doctors told the family Collette was paralyzed from the neck down. |
| 4 | He remains unable to speak but communicates by moving his lips. |
| 5 | His family is raising money for medical care, therapy and ongoing support. |
Summary
A rescue attempt at a Southern California beach left Josh Collette with a severe spinal cord injury. The child he entered the water to help survived, while Collette faces hospitalization, rehabilitation and a prolonged recovery. His family is seeking financial and community support as treatment continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Josh Collette?
Collette dove into the ocean at Riviera Beach in San Clemente on Aug. 15 to help a child believed to be caught in a rip current. He struck either a sandbar or rocks and suffered a spinal cord injury.
What is Collette’s current condition?
His family says doctors determined that he was paralyzed from the neck down. He is currently unable to speak but can communicate by moving his lips.
Why was a fundraiser created?
The fundraiser was created to help with Collette’s medical bills, long-term therapy and family support during his extended recovery. It had raised nearly $110,000 as of Sunday night.