A Terrifying Day with a Miraculous Outcome: Help Support James’ Recovery
Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 will forever be etched in the hearts of our powered paragliding (PPG) community. What should have been a joyful final flight turned into a terrifying ordeal when 16-year-old James, one of our youngest and most promising pilots, was involved in a life-threatening paramotor accident in Corpus Christi, Texas.
James was flying in a city-designated flight park—an approved safe zone for PPG—when a helicopter entered the airspace at the same altitude. The rotor wash from the helicopter caused James’ glider to collapse mid-air, and he plummeted more than 150 feet straight down.
After the crash, James managed to remove his helmet, but when he unbuckled his harness, he collapsed out of his seat and was unable to sit up or stand. His father, who was nearby, rushed to his side and held him while they waited for the ambulance to arrive.
James was rushed to the Corpus Christi Medical Trauma Center, where an army of doctors and nurses immediately went to work. Following extensive imaging—X-rays, MRIs, CT scans—James was diagnosed with:
Fractures in his neck, back, pelvis, ribs, and tailbone
A partially collapsed lung
Lacerations on his spleen and kidney
He’s been in the ICU since Tuesday, under constant monitoring for internal bleeding, swelling, and other complications. While we don’t yet know the full scope of surgeries James will require, we are immensely grateful to report that he is not paralyzed and has no brain trauma. Doctors are hopeful, but it may be several weeks to two months before James can walk again.
This accident has left us shaken—but more than anything, we are grateful. James is alive. He’s fighting. And now he needs our help.
We’re raising funds to help cover the extensive medical bills that insurance may not fully cover. Every donation—big or small—will directly support James’ recovery and ease the financial burden on his family during this incredibly difficult time.
We are overwhelmed with emotion—grief, fear, gratitude, and profound relief. Please keep James in your thoughts and prayers as he begins the long journey of healing.
Thank you for standing with James and his family.
