An Irish expat who was knocked unconscious when a cliff jump went horribly wrong on Christmas Day remains in an induced coma almost a fortnight later.
Cathal Canavan, 24, was among thousands of expats and foreign backpackers who flocked to Bronte Beach, in Sydney’s east, on December 25 when the disaster struck.
It is understood the plumber was preparing to jump from a popular cliff jumping spot into the beach’s ocean pool when he slipped and fell six metres, landing on concrete.
He was treated for serious head injuries before being flown to St Vincent’s Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Fifteen days later, Canavan remains in an induced coma in intensive care and his loved ones do not know the extent of his brain injuries, the irish mirror reported.
His parents and brother have made a mercy trip to Australia to keep a bedside vigil and his aunt Audrey Guiney describes it as every parent’s worst nightmare.
“It’s desperate right now and the fact that they got a call on Christmas Day from Sydney hospital, their whole world has changed,” he told the publication.
“Right now they have him in a medically induced coma with brain damage, but they don’t know the extent of the brain damage.”
Cathal Canavan (pictured) suffered brain injuries after slipping during a cliff jump at Bronte Beach.
Despite efforts by authorities to stop cliff jumping at Brontë Baths (pictured) by installing barbed wire and spiked posts, it remains a popular activity.
His family is expected to remain in Australia for 6 to 12 months as Canavan begins the long road to recovery.
“They had to have surgery to save his life on Christmas Day, but they believe he is out of danger now,” Mrs Guiney added.
‘It’s just a matter of assessing the brain injury when he comes too. “It’s a long waiting game.”
It is understood Mr Canavan arrived in Australia in October.
A iodonate The page set up by Mr Canavan’s loved ones described him as a “kind-hearted individual”.
“Fiercely loyal, he protects those close to him and you know he’s always on your side when you need him,” the page said.
The Irish expat was among 10,000 revelers who spent Christmas Day at Brontë Beach.
The photo shows the Brontë beach baths.
“He is very hardworking at his trade as a plumber and his mischievous laugh and smile are contagious.”
More than €84,000 ($A139,000) has been raised so far.
“Funds raised on this page will go towards Cathal’s medical care and rehabilitation and will also support his parents Shane and Josie and his brother, Kieran, to ensure they can remain close to him in Sydney,” the fundraiser reads. of funds.
Claremorris Athletics Club, from Claremorris, Mr Canavan’s home in the west of Ireland, shared the fundraiser and wrote that the 24-year-old “has a long road to recovery ahead of him”.
Despite efforts by authorities to stop cliff jumping at Brontë Baths by installing barbed wire and spiked posts, it remains a popular activity.
Brontë has in recent years become a popular place for expats, backpackers and those without close family to meet and celebrate Christmas.
Disgusted Australians criticized the trail of destruction left by 10,000 revelers on Christmas Day.
Thousands of cans, beer and wine bottles, discarded cardboard boxes and empty cooler bags were seen strewn across the normally pristine grass behind the small but popular beach the following morning.