Miracle update after Jordan Theobald left fighting for life in a European hospital following freak accident
The father of a young Australian left fighting for his life after a freak accident in Europe has revealed that his son has gotten out of bed and moved away.
Jordan Theobald, 29, was seriously injured after jumping from Bosnia’s famous Mostar Bridge, falling more than 20 metres into the river.
Mr Theobald was on a romantic getaway with his partner Laura Mahoney, after the couple had been saving money for years.
The 29-year-old man broke his spine and was rushed to intensive care, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Mr Theobald’s father, Jason, shared a heartwarming update on Sunday, saying his son was making progress in hospital.
“Today he walked about 50m unassisted. He can get out of bed and back into bed unassisted,” he wrote on Facebook.
“He’s in a very good mood. He’s off the heavy painkillers and only needs paracetamol when necessary.”
‘He is still in intensive care and has to stay there unless the physiotherapists are working on him.’
Jordan Theobald, 29, was seriously injured after jumping from Bosnia’s iconic Mostar Bridge and plummeting more than 20 metres before landing in the river (Mr Theobald pictured with his partner Laura Mahoney)
Before jumping from the 16th century Ottoman bridge, Mr Theobald had been trained by the diving club that operates at the popular tourist attraction
Jason expressed his gratitude for the expressions of support he had received.
“He said the staff at the hospital in Mostar are great and in good hands,” he wrote.
“They said it’s a miracle he’s come this far so quickly, considering he came to the hospital as a paraplegic. There’s someone looking after him.”
The friend thanked those who had encouraged Mr Theobald and the GoFundMe which was intended to raise money for his medical bills and his return flight to Australia.
The friend added: ‘He (Mr Theobald) said the staff at the hospital in Mostar are great and in good hands.’
“They said it’s a miracle he’s come this far so quickly, considering he came to the hospital as a paraplegic. There’s someone looking after him.”
Mrs. Mahoney said 7News that her partner had ‘great mental strength’ and that he remained ‘positive’ and ‘hopeful’.
The Melbourne couple wanted to eventually settle in France after their tour of Europe.
Their priority has now shifted to returning to Australia as soon as possible so Mr Theobald can begin his recovery.
Ms Mahoney said the diving club had suffered many injuries before, but not to the extent of Mr Theobald’s injuries.
Mrs Mahoney said they had only been in Mostar for two days when the tragic accident occurred which fractured his T12 vertebra.
Before jumping from the 16th century Ottoman bridge, Mr Theobald had been trained by the diving club that operates at this popular tourist attraction.
“Something went wrong on the big jump and he landed wrong,” Ms. Mahoney said.
Mr Theobald was rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care due to paralysis down the side of his body.
Ms Mahoney said the diving club had dealt with injuries before, but not to the extent of Mr Theobald’s.
“When you jump off a bridge that high, there are always risks,” she said.
Ms Mahoney said Mr Theobald is in intensive care and as a result she can only spend more than 10 minutes a day with her partner.
She said he is grateful for the medical care the team gave him.
Ms Mahoney also expressed her gratitude to the Australians who supported the GoFundMe, which has raised almost $73,000 so far.
“The generosity, support and kind messages we have received have not gone unnoticed,” Mahoney said.