Teen injured in Avoca creek fall out of coma

A boy who was critically injured in a horror fall near Bundaberg has astounded doctors in what those close to him are calling ‘a miracle’. Read what has happened.

A family whose lives were turned upside down when their teenage son was critically injured after falling into a creek at Avoca in Bundaberg has seen signs of a promising beginning to recovery.

The 13-year-old boy fell into McCoy Creek near Michels Lane in the Bundaberg suburb of Avoca around 3:20pm on January 4.

The NewsMail confirmed the teenager suffered a broken neck, a broken fibula, broken ribs, a punctured lung, possible broken jaw and has a blood clot in his neck and swelling on the brain.

It is believed he was bike riding with two friends when the incident occurred.

Family friend Kerrie Modrow recently updated the GoFundMe page for the teenager, whose identity is still unknown, saying the boy had come out of a coma on February 7.

“A miracle occurred and our boy officially came out of his coma,” she said.

“He only has use of his left side and minimal small movements of his right arm [but] he is able to at least communicate with hand gestures, making it easier for his mum, drs (sic) and nurses.

“Waving to people as they enter the room, being able to give the thumbs up if cold or hot or even not feeling well is a huge miracle.. and surely did surprise not only his mum but everyone close to the family.”

Ms Modrow said the boy, who was now in a wheelchair, could do “simple things” like open his mouth and look around the room, was able to recognise his family and knew it was 2022.

She said his recovery had “amazed” hospital staff.

“A few weeks ago his mum and family were told that there has never been a child or a case like this one and we were told not to expect the recovery to be a quick and speedy one,” she said.

“However, he has all surprised us over the last week or so and what and emotional time it’s been for all.

“He now has a brand new wheelchair, it’s a perfect blue suits his eyes was all measured up so it’s just the right size.”

Ms Modrow said it was still a “long journey ahead” for the teenager who was yet to undergo a number of operations and wear a halo.

“The next few weeks are going to be huge, he still has fluid on his brain from the injuries and will be having operations to move the location on the shunt (tube in his brain) to help bring the swelling down,” she said.

“We are praying after moving the shunt our little man will still be the same as before the operation.

“The broken fibula now has a beautiful red cast on helping the healing of his leg.

“The halo will remain on for at least 6 more weeks (again depends on his neck and spine).”

Ms Modrow said doctors had never had a patient like him and he could go years without communicating or recognising people.

“He and his family are strong and determined to heal and recover,” she said.

“He seems to want to prove to those around him that anything is possible no matter how long the journey to recovery may take.”

Originally published as Teen injured in Avoca creek fall out of coma