An Irish expat who was knocked unconscious when a cliff dive went horribly wrong on Christmas Day remains in an induced coma almost a fortnight later.
Cathal Canavan, 24, was among thousands foreign expats and backpackers who flocked to Bronte Beach in Sydney’s east on December 25 when disaster struck.
It’s understood the plumber was preparing to jump from a popular cliff diving spot into the beach’s ocean pool when he slipped and fell six metres, landing onto concrete.
He was treated for serious head injuries before he was airlifted to St Vincent’s Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Mr Canavan remains in an induced coma in intensive care with loved ones left in the dark on the extent of his brain injuries, the Irish Mirror reported.
His parents and brother have made a mercy dash to Australia to keep a bedside vigil with aunt Audrey Guiney describing it as every parent’s worst nightmare.
‘It’s desperate at the moment and the fact they got a call on Christmas Day from the hospital in Sydney, their whole world has been turned around,’ she told the publication.
‘They have him in a medically induced coma at the moment with brain damage, but they don’t know the extent of the brain damage.’
Cathal Canavan (pictured) suffered a brain injuries after slipping during a cliff dive at Bronte Beach
Despite authorities’ efforts to stop cliff jumping at Bronte Baths (pictured) by erecting barbed wire and spiked posts, it continues to be a popular activity
His family are expected to remain in Australia for 6-12 months as Mr Canavan begins the long road to recovery.
‘They had to operate to save his life on Christmas Day but they think he’s out of danger now,’ Ms Guiney added.
‘It’s just a case of assessing the brain injury when he comes too. It’s a long waiting game.’
It’s understood Mr Canavan arrived in Australia in October.
An iDonate page created by Mr Canavan’s loved ones described him as a ‘kind-hearted individual’.
‘Fiercely loyal, he protects those close to him, and you know that he is always in your corner whenever you need,’ the page read.
The Irish expat was among 10,000 revellers who spent Christmas Day at Bronte Beach
Bronte beach baths is pictured
‘He is hardworking in his trade as a plumber and his mischievous laugh and smile are infectious.’
More than €84,000 (AUD$139,000) has been raised so far.
‘The funds raised from this page will go towards Cathal’s medical care, rehabilitation and will also support his parents Shane and Josie and his brother, Kieran, to ensure that they can stay close by his side in Sydney,’ the fundraiser read.
Claremorris Athletics Club, from Mr Canavan’s home of Claremorris in Ireland’s west, shared the fundraiser, writing the 24-year-old ‘has a very long recovery road ahead of him’.
Despite authorities’ efforts to stop cliff jumping at Bronte Baths by erecting barbed wire and spiked posts, it continues to be a popular activity.
Bronte has become a popular spot for expats, backpackers and those without nearby relatives to gather and celebrate Christmas in recent years.
Disgusted Aussies slammed the trail of destruction left by 10,000 revellers on Christmas Day.
Thousands of cans, beer and wine bottles, discarded cardboard boxes and empty cooler bags were seen strewn across the usually-pristone grass behind the small but popular beach the morning after.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk