A Mississippi-based content creator has suffered a serious spinal cord injury following a surfing accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
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Brock Kelly, 24, sustained the injury on Friday, November 6, while surfing in Hawaii during a trip.
Doctors diagnosed Kelly with surfer's myelopathy, a rare spinal cord condition associated with hyperextension of the back.
According to the National Library of Medicine, "Though traditionally tied to first-time surfers, the condition encompasses any activity involving hyperextension of the back such as gymnastics, yoga, and Pilates."
Influencer Paralyzed From Waist Down Following Surfing Accident
Kelly addressed the frightening ordeal in an Instagram post to his 115,000 followers, explaining how the accident had changed his life.
"Friday morning I was in a rare surfing accident that left me paralyzed from the waist down," he wrote.
"It's called "surfers myelopathy" and it occurs when you hyper-extend your back and it cuts off oxygen to the legs. In simple terms, it's pretty much a stroke of the lower body."
The content creator admitted that his recovery remains "uncertain," acknowledging that he may never walk again.
However, he also explained that doctors have not ruled out the possibility of a full recovery.
"I know the Lord is faithful through it all. Thank you for all of the kind messages! I feel extremely cared for and loved," he concluded.
Brock Kelly's Family Shares Emotional Update on His Recovery
Kelly regularly shares lifestyle and fitness content on social media and owns Over Everything Athletics Club, a Mississippi-based running club and fitness brand.
His mother, Paige Kelly, provided further details about her son's condition in a series of Facebook posts.
"While in Hawaii on a work trip, Brock had a surfing accident and is currently in the ICU in Maui," she wrote.
"He has a spinal cord injury and, at this time, cannot feel anything from the waist down. We are hopeful that this is not permanent, but so much remains uncertain, and we know there may be a long road ahead."
In a subsequent update, Paige confirmed her son's diagnosis and explained that he was working with neurosurgeons to determine the best course of treatment.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, she praised his positive attitude.
"His spirits are high, and he remains positive and unbelievably optimistic, even with so much still unknown," she said in another post.
"He's already setting goals for himself. He's sitting here reading his Bible, concentrating on trying to move his toes, and, in the middle of everything he's facing, he asked Mary Grace and me, 'What are five things you're thankful for today?' "
Paige concluded by revealing that the family and their loved ones are "praying for a healing miracle" as Kelly continues his recovery.
