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A horrific accident has left a Charlotte teen paralyzed from the neck down.

The experienced swimmer was in Brazil with his parents when he was injured after diving into shallow water that was approximately knee high according to witnesses.  The teen nearly drowned from the accident.

For over a month, family members have been trying to get the teen back home to Charlotte, but the air ambulance needed to make the trip costs over $70,000.

Friends and neighbors of the teen have held several fundraisers to raise money for the air ambulance.  Their work has apparently raised enough money to make a deposit, allowing the teen to come home on December 1 if all goes as planned.

Medics are hopeful that doctors here can help the teen walk again.

Studies by the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistics Center reveal there are roughly 11,000 reported incidences of spinal cord injury (from causes including diving) per year in the United States.  It’s important to practice appropriate safety precautions whether your at work or play.  If you or a loved one experiences a serious brain injury or head trauma, call the Attorneys of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free.