Surgical assistant instantly paralyzed from neck down after freak accident involving two feet of water
Craig Heape, a well-known resident in Pocatello and Island Park, was enjoying a relaxing day with friends at Redfish Lake in Stanley on Sunday when he had a freak accident.
Heape, 54, was sitting on a built-in bench on the dock when he suddenly fell backward into less than two feet of water, East Idaho News reported.
His friend Carl Williams immediately jumped in after him. 'It was apparent he was instantly paralyzed from the neck down,' Williams said.
Paramedics were called to the scene and the 54-year-old was airlifted to the trauma unit at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise.
Doctors determined that Heape had suffered a bruised spinal cord and three fractured vertebrae in his neck, along with other traumatic injuries.
Heape is to remain in the hospital for over a week while he undergoes intensive treatment and evaluation.
He will then be transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility, where he could stay for up to six months - depending on the progress of his recovery.
Williams reported that even though Heape's injuries are severe, he has already regained feeling in his feet and hands.
Doctors don't think that Heape will suffer from permanent nerve damage.
A GoFundMe for Heape is being organized by Cher Bennett.
'If you know Craig, you know that he's the guy who can light up any room. He's the life of the party, the one with the quick laugh, the big smile, and the ability to turn an ordinary moment into a memory you'll cherish forever,' the page reads.
According to the GoFundMe, donations will go towards medical expenses, long-term inpatient rehabilitation and therapy, home modifications and mobility aids, mortgage and household bills during recovery and travel and living expenses for his care and support.
'Even with the seriousness of his injuries, Craig is approaching each day with the same strength, humor, and determination that have always defined him,' adding that the road ahead will be 'long, uncertain and costly,' the page read.
Heape previously worked at Shotgun Bar in Island Park. The bar's Facebook page shared a link to his GoFundMe along with some pictures of the beloved employee and a plea for support.
'Craig was in a life changing accident this weekend. He is currently in Boise, Idaho recovering,' the Facebook post said.
According to Heape's own Facebook, he studied at Boise State University and originally hails from Pocatello.
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