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Josh Collette paralyzed after ocean rescue attempt
Josh Collette, a 42-year-old father of five from San Clemente, was left paralyzed from the neck down after attempting to rescue a child from a rip current at Riviera Beach on August 15.
While at the beach with his family, Collette observed a child, estimated to be seven or eight years old, caught in the waves. He entered the water to assist, overtaking the child's mother in the process. Shortly after entering the ocean, Collette struck either a sandbar or submerged rocks, resulting in a severe spinal injury.
The child was successfully brought to safety before Collette was rescued by beachgoers. While Collette has not yet regained the ability to speak, his family stated that doctors expect him to recover that function. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with his medical expenses and long-term therapy costs.
Entities
Hillary Collette · Josh Collette · Pacific Ocean · Riviera Beach · San Clemente
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Josh Collette has been paralyzed from the neck down. offthepress.com · pulptastic.com · nypost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Collette is expected to regain the ability to speak. offthepress.com · pulptastic.com · nypost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The incident occurred on August 15 at Riviera Beach. offthepress.com · pulptastic.com · nypost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The child Collette attempted to save reached safety before he was rescued. offthepress.com · pulptastic.com · nypost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The family expects an extensive and difficult recovery for Josh Collette. offthepress.com · pulptastic.com · nypost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Josh Collette hit rocks or a sandbar moments after entering the water. offthepress.com · pulptastic.com · nypost.com