‘Paralysis’: Tragic end to Melbourne couple’s ‘trip of a lifetime’

A Melbourne man’s “trip of a lifetime” with his partner has ended in intensive care after a daring jump went horribly wrong.

An Australian man’s “trip of a lifetime” has ended in horror after a jump off the famous Mostar Bridge in Bosnia left him in intensive care with a “life altering” spinal injury.

Jordan Theobald, 29, was in the southeastern European country with his partner Laura Mahoney, on a holiday she said they had been saving years for.

“Upon landing in the water he shattered his T12 vertebrae, leaving him with paralysis of his lower body,” Ms Mahoney wrote on a GoFundMe, raising funds to bring Mr Theobald home to Melbourne.

She said he had already undergone complex surgeries and was in the ICU.

“The road ahead is long and challenging, but there are already positive signs — following the surgeries he has been able to wiggle his toes and stand assisted for a few seconds,” she said.

“These small yet significant signs of progress give us hope.”

Jordan Theobald has suffered a serious spinal injury in Bosnia. Picture: GoFundMe

Ms Mahoney said the emotional and financial burden of his recovery was overwhelming, explaining, “at this stage we are unsure what, if anything, our travel insurance will cover”.

She estimated the cost of Mr Theobald’s medical care and repatriation to Australia at over $100,000.

The height of the jump from Stari Most, also known as Mostar Bridge, can vary depending on the time of year but is about 24 metres.

The famous Mostar Bridge sits above the Neretva River. Picture: Istock

According to Lonely Planet, the only way tourists are allowed to jump is by doing a certification training with the local Mostari Diving Club.

However, locals are said to have been diving from the bridge for more than 450 years.

The bridge that stands today is a reconstruction of a 16th-century Ottoman bridge.

Australian Rhiannan Iffland dives from the 21 metre platform on Stari Most during the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series on August 23, 2019. Picture: Dean Treml/Red Bull via Getty Images

The jump is considered so daring it was the site of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series last year for the eighth time.

Ms Mahoney described Mr Theobald as an “adventurous spirit” who loved sports like surfing and snowboarding.

“His infectious energy and caring nature draw people to him, and he’s known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for others,” she said.

“Jordan is always ready to lend a helping hand, share a laugh, and brighten someone’s day with his positive outlook on life.”