Surfer Comes Out of Coma After Drowning at Pipeline
Austin Gibbons drowned at Pipeline on Monday, February 5th.
The Long Beach, New York native, 25, was surfing the infamous world’s deadliest wave during a particularly massive day. It was so big, in fact, the World Surf League called off the Lexus Pipe Pro. But Gibbons was surfing. And on his last wave of the day, he was held under, sucking in seawater to his lungs, and in dire need of rescue.
He was brought back to life after receiving CPR on the sand. Then, while in the hospital, he was put in a medically-induced coma. Now, reports are saying he’s out.
After all that, the real recovery from the accident begins. In a GoFundMe account to support Gibbons’ presumably astronomical medical bills, the story is recounted:
“On Monday, February 5, 2024, Austin Gibbons was involved in a tragic surfing accident at Hawaii's world renowned Banzai Pipeline. Austin, 25, a resident of Long Beach, NY, was enjoying a full day of surfing and was taking off on his last wave of the day.
“What Austin didn't realize was that this wave would be the start of his ‘Fight for Life.’ He was held under by the brute force of two waves of whitewater, which unforgivingly filled his lungs with sea water.
“He was rescued by fellow surfers and lifeguards, who brought Austin back to us through CPR. He was rushed to the Medical Center in critical condition and was placed in a medically induced coma.”
Related: 22.22% of Surfers Wore Helmets on Opening Day of the Pipe Pro
According to reports on social media, Gibbons spent five days in the coma, but now he’s out and awake. “Amazing news on our boy Austin Gibbons. He’s giving shakas from the hospital bed,” surf photographer Sean Ruttkay posted on his Instagram story.
The GoFundMe description continued:
“We are asking you to help the Gibbons Family cover the mounting costs of the medical and lodging bills that are accumulating. Please keep Austin, his family, the medical staff and the heroic North Shore Lifeguards in your prayers.”
Here’s to a speedy recovery; check out and support the GoFundMe here.
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