Justin Falls 100' Down Mine Shaft
Donation protected
On November 3, 2018, while exploring a cave with several friends near the abandoned Calico Mines near Yermo, California, Justin Presley (24) lost his balance near the edge of a drop shaft and fell about 100’, his body busting out support beams and landing in a bed of debris containing boards, metal, & rebar. Still conscious and alert, he remained alone in the dark for approximately 2 hours, before an experienced climber was able to be lowered down to him. He remained in the hole for another 4 hours before being raised out of the shaft and rescued. He was airlifted to a hospital in San Bernardino County for treatment for multiple breaks (Femur & Fibula) to his right leg, a hip fracture, a ruptured disc in his lower back, and multiple lacerations to his head. His treatment so far included emergency surgery on his right leg where a titanium rod was screwed into his shattered Femur, along with metal rods & screws to fuse 4 discs in his low back.
To date, Justin cannot move his right leg, is restricted to his hospital bed and he is unable to evacuate his bowels or bladder possibly due to spinal nerve damage. He remains in constant pain in his lower back & left leg. The doctors are uncertain as to the extent of the damage to his body at this time or the limit of mobility that he will have as a result of the damage to his back and leg.
This page has been set up to help fund Justin’s medical, physical therapy, and living expenses to get him literally back on his feet, both physically, emotionally, & financially. He is a heavy equipment mechanic by trade and will be unable to work in the short-term future. We are unsure at this time if he will be able to resume his prior employment or if he will experience any significant physical disability from the injuries to his body.
The rescue team that saved Justin’s life included about 10 of his friends, & about 20 professional including, firemen, and other rescue personnel. Justin has been told that in the experience of those involved, he is one of the only survivors of a 100’ fall like that. It is a true miracle that he is alive. Being a strong believer in God has helped to keep his spirits up. We are thanking God for his protection over Justin’s life and hope that his story is inspirational to others.
To date, Justin cannot move his right leg, is restricted to his hospital bed and he is unable to evacuate his bowels or bladder possibly due to spinal nerve damage. He remains in constant pain in his lower back & left leg. The doctors are uncertain as to the extent of the damage to his body at this time or the limit of mobility that he will have as a result of the damage to his back and leg.
This page has been set up to help fund Justin’s medical, physical therapy, and living expenses to get him literally back on his feet, both physically, emotionally, & financially. He is a heavy equipment mechanic by trade and will be unable to work in the short-term future. We are unsure at this time if he will be able to resume his prior employment or if he will experience any significant physical disability from the injuries to his body.
The rescue team that saved Justin’s life included about 10 of his friends, & about 20 professional including, firemen, and other rescue personnel. Justin has been told that in the experience of those involved, he is one of the only survivors of a 100’ fall like that. It is a true miracle that he is alive. Being a strong believer in God has helped to keep his spirits up. We are thanking God for his protection over Justin’s life and hope that his story is inspirational to others.
Organizer
David Lee Presley
Organizer
Orange, CA
