Teen suffers broken neck in diving accident at Hampton Beach
- Aiden Sloan, 19, dived into a wave at Hampton Beach and hit a sandbar, resulting in a broken neck and other injuries.
- His cousins quickly rescued him from the water, saving his life as he was not breathing.
- The community has rallied around Aiden, raising significant funds for his medical expenses and highlighting the dangers of waterfront activities.
In New Hampshire, a tragic incident occurred at Hampton Beach where 19-year-old Aiden Sloan was involved in a diving accident. This incident took place on a Monday afternoon when Aiden and his cousins went to the beach to enjoy the hot weather. While attempting to dive through a wave, he collided with a sandbar, resulting in serious injuries, including a broken neck and bruised spine. Fortunately, his cousins realized something was wrong and quickly rescued him from the water. This brave action likely saved his life, as Aiden was not breathing when they managed to pull him to the shore. Following the accident, Aiden was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for surgery due to the severity of his injuries. His mother, Melina Burton, has been by his side during this difficult time, demonstrating unwavering support in the face of uncertainty about her son's recovery. Aiden's condition has put his family through a rollercoaster of emotions, ranging from moments of hope to despair as they grapple with the gravity of his injuries while hoping for recovery. Reports indicate that Aiden has been stabilized but is currently unable to move his legs or hands, leading to a profound emotional impact on both him and his family. Community support has poured in since Aiden's injury, with friends, family, and local residents raising funds for his medical expenses. Melina expressed her gratefulness for the overwhelming generosity that has come their way, far surpassing their initial goal of $8,000. As they continue to navigate this challenging period, Aiden's loved ones remain hopeful for his recovery while coping with the harsh realities of his condition after the diving accident at the beach. The incident has drawn attention not only to the risks associated with water activities but also the importance of being vigilant when swimming. Hampton Beach Fire Chief Michael McMahon emphasized how such accidents can happen unexpectedly, particularly when individuals are engaging in activities they have done countless times before. Aiden’s situation serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that lurk in seemingly benign recreational activities, particularly during hot weather when many flock to the beach for relief. Melina is hopeful that sharing Aiden's story will alert others about water safety and encourage caution amongst beachgoers.