Student At Urijah Faber's Gym Paralyzed During Training

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/5/31/3055085/student-at-urijah-fabers-gym-paralyzed-during-training
Devin Johnson, 22, was sparring at the facility, located on the 1700 block of I Street on May 14 when he fell while in a headlock.

When Devin arrived at UC Davis Medical Center he was paralyzed. The impact from the fall dislocated Devin's spine.

...

"What Mr. Johnson, unfortunately, had was injury between his fourth and fifth spine in his neck," said Dr. Kee Kim, Chief of Spinal Neurosurgery at UC Davis Medical Center.

Johnson's spine slipped and caused damage to the spinal cord, causing what's called facet fracture-dislocation. Kim used a metal implant to stabilize Johnson's spine. It was his first time treating a patient who suffered a spinal cord injury from MMA.

It appears this was a takedown attempt while in a guillotine choke which caused the paralysis.
[flash][/flash]

OU wrote:

The fuck is everyone smiling for?

Ludo wrote:

OU wrote:

The fuck is everyone smiling for?

My guess would be that the young man could have died, but did not.

Also the kid is smiling himself.

Got to keep your spirits high in shitty situations. You gotta do what you can man. It would be pretty fucked up if they posted a pic of everyone sobbing.

I realize morale is important during tough times and all, but the kid just got turned into a parallelogram at the age of 22.

Ludo wrote:

I realize morale is important during tough times and all, but the kid just got turned into a parallelogram at the age of 22.

I'm really not sure what to make of your comments honestly. You take issue with an optimistic attitude? You want a pic of a devastated family? What are your thoughts on that football player from Rutgers and his extremely optimistic personality? My sister was paralyzed when she 14, completely different situation but man you gotta move forward the best you can. I'm glad he is smiling right now.

I'm not taking an issue with it, I just find it very bizarre that someone who just suffered the most devastating setback of their life is smiling a few days later for a camera. I know I wouldn't want to talk to anyone let alone smile for quite a while if I was face to face with the realization that I'll never even walk again, let alone pursue a dream like MMA again. Optimism is one thing, but everyone smiling like it's Christmas morning just strikes Me as odd here.

Ludo wrote:

I'm not taking an issue with it, I just find it very bizarre that someone who just suffered the most devastating setback of their life is smiling a few days later for a camera. I know I wouldn't want to talk to anyone let alone smile for quite a while if I was face to face with the realization that I'll never even walk again, let alone pursue a dream like MMA again. Optimism is one thing, but everyone smiling like it's Christmas morning just strikes Me as odd here.

Is it confirmed that he will never walk again? I haven't read that much into it, so I'm not really sure. I'm sure he has had a fair share of visitors wishing him well. I'm sure there are still plenty of moments where he wants to be alone and his spirits aren't so high. I look at it more as a positive and hope he has a positive outlook personally. There are still things in life to smile about. I wish the kid well.

That sucks.