California Father Paralyzed After Diving to Rescue Child from Rip Current
Josh Collette, a 42-year-old father of five from California, became paralyzed from the neck down after diving into the ocean to rescue a child caught in a rip current at Riviera Beach in San Clemente on August 15. According to his sister, Hillary Collette, a 7- or 8-year-old child was struggling in the water when Josh ran past the child's mother, who had also entered the water, and dove in to help. Upon entering the water, Josh Collette struck either a sandbar or rocks, causing an immediate injury. He communicated to his wife that he believed he had broken his neck. The child he was attempting to save was safely pulled from the water before Josh was brought ashore. Doctors have confirmed his paralysis from the neck down, and his family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical expenses and long-term care. 
