Dannevirke teen breaks his back in ‘freak’ fall
A Dannevirke teenager who suffered serious injuries in a “freak accident” while riding his motocross bike is determined to walk again, his family says.
Travis de Visser was at the Taikorea motocross park last Saturday on a ride to celebrate turning 16 the day before.
His aunty, Lauren Carline, said as Travis came off a jump his bike flicked away from him causing him to fall straight down.
The bike landed on top of Travis, who broke his back in three places.
An ambulance was at the scene quickly, but because of his life-threatening injuries, Travis was choppered to Christchurch Hospital.
With his mum and dad by his side, Travis had a series of tests in the intensive care unit. These confirmed serious injuries including internal bleeding and a punctured lung.
Travis was put on a ventilator and had surgery so rods and screws could be inserted into his back.
But now he was awake and breathing on his own so had been moved to a ward.
Carline said despite all Travis had endured, he was motivated and determined to get on his feet again.
He was still in a lot of pain, but his parents were by his side and they were taking things one day at a time.
“It’s going to be a very long journey to be able to walk again, there’s months of rehab ahead of him.”
She said the family credited Travis’ protective gear, which he never rode without, for saving his life.
“If he didn’t have it on ... he probably wouldn’t be here.”
He had a passion for motocross and had been riding since the age of 7. He’d dealt with the usual bumps and bruises, but Carline said Saturday’s crash was a “freak accident” that could happen to anyone.
Travis’ parents were incredibly grateful he was still here, and for the outpouring of support they had received, she said.
A Givealittle page set up for the family had raised nearly $14,000 by yesterday afternoon.
Carline set the page up because the reality of the next three to five months meant Travis’ parents would need to stay in Christchurch as much as possible.
They were juggling two other children at home in Dannevirke while having to take time off work.
The money would go towards flights, accommodation and bills, and any medical care Travis might need.
He was still in a serious condition and because he was asleep for more than 48 hours there were still some concerns.
Carline said they would see how things went in the next couple of days, but it was clear Travis was determined to get better.
“Travis is a character, honestly. He will walk into a room and he is literally so full of energy. He is great to be around.“
She said her nephew was kind and caring and had started his year 11 NCEA.
His other passion in life was farming, and he was doing an agricultural course through school. He’d recently learnt how to shear a sheep and was proud of that.
But everything was now on hold, she said.
“His life has dramatically changed.” She did not know if Travis would return to motocross, and said one of the hardest parts for him of being in Christchurch was being away from the family and friends he “absolutely loved”.