In a devastating accident on the NSW-Queensland border at Duranbah Beach, New Zealand native Johnny Konings suffered life-threatening injuries during a surfing incident. Konings, a resident of the Gold Coast, experienced a tragic mishal while surfing on what was initially an ordinary day. The wipeout resulted in severe trauma, leaving him with a broken spine, multiple broken ribs, and a collapsed lung.
Now undergoing treatment at Brisbane Hospital’s spinal ward, the prognosis for Konings is uncertain. At 31 years of age, he has been left paralyzed from the waist down, and while doctors express doubt about the possibility of him walking again, Konings remains steadfast in his determination to overcome his injuries.
The accident occurred on Konings’ first wave of the day at his favorite surfing spot, an event which he and his partner, Charlotte Gordon, consider tragically ironic. The couple, who were recently engaged, now face a recovery period that could last up to six months, navigating the significant physical and mental hurdles ahead.
Konings, now reliant on a wheelchair, acknowledges the severity of the situation, describing the ordeal as akin to a nightmare come to life. Nonetheless, he is prepared to face the challenges of recovery, expressing unwavering resolve to regain mobility against the odds.
Recollections of the day reveal the quick actions of onlookers, who worked together to safely bring Konings out of the water
Source: Yahoo News Australia