Florida surfer is fighting for his life after hitting his head into a sandbar in ‘tragic’ accident
Other surfers reportedly worked to free him from underneath the pier for several minutes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Florida surfer is on life support after suffering a serious head injury while surfing in Daytona Beach on Friday, officials say.
Jorge Alvarado, 49, was surfing on the south side of the Sunglow Pier at around 9 a.m. on Friday when he collided with a sandbar and became stuck on a piling under the pier, according to Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue. The rescue agency’s director, Tamra Malphurs, said it, “sounds like the lateral current pushed him into the pier after he hit his head.”
Other surfers reportedly came to Alvarado’s rescue and worked for several minutes to free him from beneath the pier, reported The Inertia. After receiving life-saving measures from first responders, he was transported to a local hospital.
The Orange County surfer’s friends have since revealed he is on life support, on a GoFundMe page that describes him as someone who is “loved by so many people.”
“We want to make sure as a community that we take care of him and his family during this difficult time,” the description continued. “We love you brother, keep fighting! You got this.”
The page has raised just over $11,500 of its $25,000 target thanks to 120 donations.
The Independent has contacted Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue for further details.
“Jorge is the embodiment of the phrase ‘this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine’,” his friend, Chis Chibbaro, told News 6. “I think the most important thing is that he’s alive, he’s strong, and he’s fighting.”
“He has this jovial spirit, makes fast friends with everyone. He’s kind of like all of the community youngsters, he’s almost like their uncle and dad or something,” said Brian Holmes, another friend of the beloved surfer.
Alvarado’s Facebook page is brimming with pictures of his family and shots of him surfing.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments