SURFER’S LEGS CRUSHED BY TRAM
THE man run over by a tram at Main Beach last week is a talented surfer who has competed in national events. Jack Springfield, 21, is in a stable condition at Gold Coast University Hospital following the horror incident. His Mum, Tracey Goodwin, thanked Mr Springfield’s friends and workmates, “who have given him so much support.
A MAN trapped with broken legs for 40 agonising minutes under a tram has been revealed as a talented Gold Coast surfer who has competed in national events.
Jack Springfield, 21, remains in a stable condition in the Gold Coast University Hospital after being struck on the tram tracks at Main Beach early on Friday.
Mystery surrounds the incident, including how he came to be on the tracks.
Yesterday Mr Springfield was hailed by North End Boardriders club president Darren Clark as a well-liked club member who was last year’s open age group champion.
“He’s a very talented surfer, he’s part of the really core group of rippers at the club,” Mr Clark said.
Mr Springfield’s mother, Tracey Goodwin, said she was focused on her son’s recovery from what is the city’s worst light rail accident.
Mr Springfield’s identity came to light in the Southport Magistrates Court where the surfer was due to face a drink driving charge on Monday after allegedly blowing over the legal blood alcohol limit at Main Beach last month. The matter was adjourned until today. Fire crews had to use a special air mattress to lift the tram on Friday so Mr Springfield could be extricated. Critical care paramedics then rushed him to hospital.
Reports suggested Mr Springfield may have been asleep on the tracks or lying down at the time he was crushed because a pillow was spotted nearby after the incident.
However investigators have yet to determine what occurred.
Ms Goodwin said friends, family and construction workmates had rallied behind her son.
“I just want to thank everyone at his work and all his friends who have given him so much support,” she said.
Mr Clark said the boardriders club would offer as much support as it could.
“We want him to get better and start surfing and be part of the club again,” he said.
He said Mr Springfield – who has film clips of his surfing online – had represented the club in national competitions including the Australian Boardriders Battle and the Kirra Teams Challenge.
“He’s been with the club for a few years now. He started as a junior and his surfing has matured enough to become the club’s open age group champion against some pretty tough competition,” Mr Clark said.
“He’s part of a really good group of guys who look after each other.
“They’re engaged in the club and help out when they can.”