Community Rallies for Teen Injured in Diving Accident

The Jserra Catholic High School community today is rallying around one of their students as he battles to recover from a diving accident while on his summer vacation.

According to a letter sent to the school’s families by Headmaster Rich Meyer, sophomore Austin Brotman, broke a vertebrae, leading to paralysis below his rib cage.

“His long-term prognosis is still to be determined, but there is the very real possibility he may never be able to walk again. He has undergone one surgery already and will be at a hospital in Florida for another week or so before being transported to a long-term rehab facility,” Meyer wrote.

Ausin is a straight A student, a water polo player and member of the school’s swim team as well as a member of the Medical Magnet Program.

“Speaking on behalf of his teachers, we can attest that Austin is a delight to teach and is as highly regarded for his intellectual acuity as he is for the gentlemanly way he interacts with his fellow Lions,” wrote Meyer. “His family is asking for your prayers. As they try to determine the best course of action for Austin, they are also interested in hearing from any of you who may have personal knowledge of or experience dealing with adolescent traumatic spine injuries. If you have recommendations, or know someone with whom they should confer, please send them a note at brotman@cox.net.”

Austin’s supporters created a site where friends can offer their support and donations and find updates on the teen’s progress: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/austinbrotman.

City News Service

Photos: CaringBridge.org