Tradie placed in a coma on Christmas Day after Bronte cliff jump gone wrong is identified – as devastated loves ones break their silence
An Irish expat who was knocked unconscious when a Christmas Day cliff dive went horribly wrong is still in an induced coma almost a fortnight later.
Cathal Canavan, 24, was one of thousands of overseas expats and backpackers who flocked to Bronte Beach in Sydney’s east on December 25 when disaster struck.
It is understood the plumber was preparing to jump from a popular cliff diving spot into the beach’s ocean pool when he slipped and fell twenty feet, landing on concrete.
He was treated for serious head injuries before being flown to St Vincent’s Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
A fortnight later, Mr Canavan remains in an induced coma in intensive care, while loved ones remain in the dark about the extent of his brain injury, the Irish mirror reported.
His parents and brother have traveled to Australia to hold a night vigil with aunt Audrey Guiney, who describes it as every parent’s worst nightmare.
“It’s desperate at the moment and the fact that they got a call from the hospital in Sydney on Christmas Day has turned their whole world upside down,” she told the publication.
“They currently 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 a brain injury 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 spike posts, it remains a popular activity
His family is expected to remain in Australia for six to 12 months as Mr Canavan begins the long road to recovery.
“They had to operate on Christmas Day to save his life but they believe he is now out of danger,” Ms Guiney added.
‘It’s just a matter of assessing the brain injury if he comes too. It’s a long waiting game.”
It is understood Mr Canavan arrived in Australia in October.
A iDonate A page created by Mr Canavan’s loved ones described him as a ‘kind-hearted person’.
“He is fiercely loyal and protective of those closest to him, and you know he is always in your corner whenever you need him,” the page read.
The Irish expat was one of 10,000 revelers who spent Christmas Day at Bronte Beach
Bronte Beach Baths are pictured
‘He works hard in his profession as a plumber and his mischievous laugh and smile are infectious.’
To date, more than €84,000 (AUD$139,000) has been raised.
“The money raised through 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 stay close to him in Sydney,” the fundraiser said.
Claremorris Athletics Club, from Claremorris, Mr Canavan’s home in the west of Ireland, shared the fundraiser, writing that the 24-year-old ‘has a very long road to recovery ahead of him’.
Despite authorities’ efforts to stop cliff jumping at Bronte Baths by erecting barbed wire and spike posts, it remains a popular activity.
In recent years, Bronte has become a popular place for expats, backpackers and those without relatives to gather and celebrate Christmas.
Disgusted Australians left behind a 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 usually pristine grass behind the small but popular beach the next morning.