An American photographer has described how a small bush saved his life after he fell about 60 metres from a cliff in Madeira.
Kyle Quin Schrock, 36, was walking the Lapas Pretas trail in São Vicente on 11 October when the accident happened, the newspaper JM reports. He was rescued by helicopter and suffered several fractures.
36-Year-Old Falls About 60 Metres When the Ground Gives Way
About a week after the accident, Schrock explained in a video on Instagram that the ground gave way under him during the walk. He slid down the slope until a small piece of vegetation stopped his fall and held his weight.
"I thought it was my death," he said, according to JM. The plant did not look strong enough to hold him, and he was very surprised that it did.
Helicopter Rescue Takes Him to Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital
While he hung there, he heard a voice from above. Someone had seen him and told him that a helicopter had already been called. He called it the best news he could have received.
Until the rescue teams arrived, he had to hold on and work out how not to fall from the cliff.
At the time, JM reported that the injured American tourist was conscious but complained of pain in his neck. He was lifted out by helicopter and then taken by ambulance to Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital in Funchal.
Fractures to Spine, Ribs and Sternum After 11 October Fall
In hospital, Schrock said he was in severe pain, with fractures to his spine, ribs and sternum. He described the following days as confusing, as if his life had been put on hold.
"I'm alive. I'm grateful to be alive."
Kyle Quin Schrock, photographer, quoted by JM
He thanked the friends who called for help and the people close to him who visited him in hospital.
Family Aims to Raise 30,000 Dollars for Months of Recovery
His recovery is expected to take several months. His sister-in-law, Tara Schrock, has started a GoFundMe campaign called 'Hope for Quin's Healing Journey'. It aims to raise 30,000 dollars.
According to the family, he needs medical care, rehabilitation and help to travel home to the United States, where his treatment will continue. He will not be able to work for several months.
The family says he is still in intensive care, waiting for surgery on his spine and to see how other injuries develop, including problems with his lungs.
Instagram Account Has More Than 1 Million Followers
Schrock is known for his project Ever Changing Horizon. For several years he has travelled the world. He shares photos and videos of landscapes and adventure destinations with more than one million followers. He has worked with international brands and publications.
Source: jm-madeira.pt
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