A 17-year-old boy, Matthew Haylett, is in critical condition following a diving accident at Mullaloo Beach in Perth. While diving into the water on Saturday, he suffered a broken neck after hitting an unexpected sandbank. Currently, Matthew is in intensive care at Royal Perth Hospital, facing paralysis from the neck down and difficulty breathing. His mother, Megan Larson, is raising awareness about the dangers of diving in unfamiliar waters.
Matthew’s friend, Camden Atfield, was present during the incident and attempted to rescue him as he screamed for help after failing to surface. This quick action has been credited by Larson for keeping her son alive, as she expressed her gratitude to Atfield, urging him to understand his role in the situation.
In the aftermath of the injury, medical professionals highlighted the importance of immediate responses to spinal injuries, advocating for minimal movement of the victim to prevent further harm. Matthew’s condition is compounded by the uncertainty of his recovery, as doctors will wait until swelling subsides before considering surgery.
Having recently begun an apprenticeship with Western Power, Matthew now faces a challenging future which could include up to a year in hospital rehabilitation. Larson revealed that she often reflects on the life her son had ahead of him, sharing her emotional struggle and desire to alleviate his suffering.
She also called on beachgoers to be mindful of safety, noting that Mullaloo Beach is known for shallow areas. Matthew remains hopeful to regain mobility and is determined to overcome this setback, as his friend Atfield believes in his resilience. In support of his recovery, the family has initiated a fundraiser for his medical expenses.