A sporty and entrepreneurial teenager faces a long road to recovery after a freak accident changed his life in an instant.
Blake D’Ombrain, 19, moved to Wagga Wagga in the NSW Riverina where he set up his own business as a concreter, but was back home visiting family on the state’s south coast over the Christmas break when disaster struck.
On December 30, Mr D’Ombrain visited the Gantry at Bawley Point, where he jumped off the platform into the water.
He landed awkwardly with his head and neck taking most of the impact, suffering a ‘catastrophic’ spinal injury.
His younger sister Hailey and other beachgoers pulled the injured teen from the water.
Bystanders and emergency responders performed first aid until D’Ombrain was airlifted to Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital, where he underwent ‘a gruelling ten hour surgery’.
Mr D’Ombrain will remain in intensive care there for several more weeks before he’s transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital’s spinal injuries unit.
‘Blake is a vibrant, fit and sporty young man. He grew up on the south coast of NSW, attending Milton Public School and Ulladulla High,’ family friend Melinda Croan wrote on a GoFundMe page.
NSW teenager Blake D’Ombrain (pictured) suffered a ‘catastrophic’ spinal injury
On December 30, Mr D’Ombrain went to the Gantry at Bawley Point (pictured) where his life changed in an instant
‘Along with his siblings, Hailey, Maddison and Harrison, Blake played all sports with a passion – excelling at running and football.’
Mr D’Ombrain is expected to remain in Prince of Wale Hospital for up to a year.
‘There is no doubt that Blake has a tough road ahead,’ Ms Croan continued.
‘His family will be right by his side to support him and assist with his intensive therapy.
‘Any support you can offer Blake and his family at this challenging time will be much appreciated.’
The community has rallied round for Mr D’Ombrain, whose mother Kim ‘is a much loved local primary school teacher’ and whose family is active in many local sporting groups.
Blake D’Ombrain (pictured) is expected to spend a year recovering in hospital
As of Monday evening, the fundraiser had already had more than $26,000.
Mr D’Ombrain has been described as ‘a kind-hearted person who’d happily help anyone in need’.
‘Blake’s tragic event took everyone by surprise and has shook our small community,’ rugby league teammate and friend Caleb Haddin told The South Coast News.
‘Blake has always been the fittest on the park, showing his hard working nature playing under-18s and debuting (in) first grade within his first year at the club.’
Mr D’Ombrain’s older sister, Maddison told the publication that she was ‘devastated’.
‘Any support of words, donations or messages are greatly appreciated,’ she said.
‘The doctors have advised us that positive messages, prayers and support could make all the difference.’
