Geoff stays grounded after ordeal
GEOFF Harris knows he is lucky to be alive.
In 2011, the 66-year-old survived a horror skydiving accident near Toogoolawah plummeting 4300 metres to earth when his parachute failed.
While his ordeal failed to change his love affair with the extreme sport, Mr Harris has come to grips he will never get a chance to jump again.
“After my rehabilitation, I was really interested in skydiving again,” Mr Harris said.
“It was something I would have really liked to do however a combination of my advancing age and strict doctor’s orders means I probably won’t ever get a chance to parachute again.
“I think my wife and daughters are happy with my decision.”
The accident left Mr Harris with severe injuries including a compound femur fracture, multiple breaks to his pelvis, three fractured vertebras and loss of sensation to his left side.
Mr Harris praised the quick response of Toogoolawah local Shane
I had to weigh up the risk of jumping again and it just wasn’t worth it.” – Geoff Harris
Munro who found the injured skydiver after his crash landing.
“I was one of the lucky ones,” he said.
“If it wasn’t for Shane Munro’s quick response in calling the emergency services I might not be here to tell the tale.
“I am very grateful for his assistance as well as that of the paramedics and RACQ CareFlight crew who got me to hospital.”
Although no longer parachuting, Mr Harris has taken on a new hobby but says he will never lose his love of skydiving.
“I have been able to spend more time on my motorbikes,” he said.
“I have no fear of skydiving.
“However I had to weigh up the risk of jumping again and it just wasn’t worth it.
“I have nothing to prove anymore so I have no complaints.”