Latest on Worthing kitesurfer Lewis Crathern after accident

The North Kiteboarding kitesurfing team has posted an update on Worthing kitesurfer Lewis Crathern.
Lewis Crathern was injured in an accident on SundayLewis Crathern was injured in an accident on Sunday
Lewis Crathern was injured in an accident on Sunday

The 31-year-old former British kitesurfing champion was involved in an accident during a competition in South Africa on Sunday.

A post by North Kiteboarding International on the group’s Facebook page says Lewis remains in a medically induced coma.

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It reads: “On Sunday 7th 2016, North Kiteboarding Team Rider Lewis Crathern was involved in a Kiteboarding incident during his heat at the Red Bull King Of The Air event in Big Bay, Cape Town. Since then, Lewis has been receiving treatment in the ICU unit and remains in an induced coma with the projection to start the process of waking imminently.

“Lewis has not suffered any breaks or damages to his internal organs, and doctors are taking precautionary measures to ensure that Lewis receives the best care and recovery possible. Lewis’ parents Sandra and Gary, his girlfriend Courtney, along with his close friends are very grateful for all the love and support that the international kiteboarding community are showing, and we wish him a speedy recovery. Get well soon Lewis!”

As reported by the Worthing Herald yesterday, Lewis’ mother, Sandra Crathern, spoke to a member of a the Kitesurfing Armada Facebook group on Wednesday. They posted this update on their page: “Quick update on Lewis, no major development but we spoke to his mum in Cape Town who wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone for all the support. She is feeling really positive he is in great hands, and that the doctors keep telling her all will be well.

“Sandra confirmed they are still aiming to bring Lew out of the induced coma over the next day or two, and everyone seems very happy with how he is doing in every other way health wise – it’s just the water on the lungs they need to solve. She was overwhelmed with all the interest and support, and very pleased the local news had been pushing the story back here.”

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Sandra herself posted a message yesterday, thanking everyone for their support next to a photograph of Lewis striking a pose on a South African beach. She said: “We are looking forward to seeing Lewis striking this pose soon xx thank you everyone for your love support and prayers.”

Lewis, who was the freestyle British champion from 2005 to 2008, was hurt while competing in the semi-finals of the Red Bull King of the Air competition at Big Bay in Blouberg, South Africa, on Sunday. According to news reports from the country, he attempted a massive kite loop at the start of the second semi-final, but his kite stalled and he crashed into the surf on his back after freefalling 15 to 20 metres. To read the original story about the accident click here

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