Dubbo’s Samuel Shooter, struck by a roof during storms, reflects on survival 27 years on

A Dubbo real estate agent and advocate for mental health has shared the remarkable story of the day, 27 years ago, he was struck by a roof during a freak storm.

Samuel Shooter encourages people to enjoy their lives after experiencing a traumatic event 27 years ago.

Dubbo real estate agent Samuel Shooter has shared his miraculous story of survival 27 years after a roof hit him in the head during storms.

Mr Shooter, who is also a mental health advocate, says the life-threatening experience serves as a reminder to himself and the community to be grateful for each day.

It was 27 years ago when Mr Shooter, aged 13 at the time, sustained severe brain injuries, a loss of vocal cords and facial reconstruction surgery after a roof hit the left side of his head.

Mr Shooter attended cricket training one stormy afternoon when a gust of wind averaging between 160km/h to 200km/h lifted a roof from a nearby hall while he was packing the equipment away.

“There must have been so much wind and distraction that I didn’t see an entire roof flying towards me,” Mr Shooter said.

Mr Shooter fell into an “instant” coma and was taken to hospital where his heart stopped twice.

“It was a pretty harrowing experience for everyone involved,” he said.

After spending a day in Dubbo Base Hospital, Mr Shooter was flown to Sydney where he remained in a coma for two weeks.

Samuel and his wife Laura Shooter. Picture: Supplied

“The specialist told my mum and dad that my chances of survival were next to none and that if I did survive my frontal lobe would be damaged and that would affect my emotional responses, rationalisation and cause me to become angry and anti-social,” he said.

“When I came out of the coma, I was very peaceful.”

Mr Shooter underwent extensive rehabilitation including physiotherapy and occupational therapy and had to have facial reconstruction procedures.

“The doctor said it was a miracle that I survived,” Mr Shooter said.

“It was pretty life changing as a kid but even more so as an adult and as a father.

“I had heart issues in October last year and they [doctors] said I should’ve died again.

“The significance of that first trauma is so much more real to me now.

“I have an overwhelming gratefulness and contentment that life is important for all of us.

“It is very visceral to me and the biggest lesson that I have learnt is that time on earth is temporary.”

Mr Shooter advocates that focusing on family and having joy and passion in what you are doing is vital for a “beautiful” life.

“That’s what I teach my kids, that the time we have is beautiful and precious,” he said.

Mr Shooter also thanked the Dubbo community for their support 27 years ago and their continued support throughout the years.

“The Dubbo community really is outstanding,” he said.