Rhode Island swimmer Will Serth is in recovery following a skateboard crash that resulted in severe head trauma.
Serth was riding on a motorized skateboard on April 20 when he suddenly fell to the pavement and hit his head without wearing a helmet. Soon after the fall, Serth began experiencing seizures. A friend, who witnessed the incident called 911 and supported Serth until he was rushed to Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI.
According to the most recent update provided on the #WillPower Facebook Page, Serth is currently awake, but heavily sedated and still requires a feeding tube. In addition, Serth has begun to regain movement in his limbs, and is undergoing physical therapy from his hospital bed.
Serth is a senior at Rogers High School in Newport, RI. During the 2020-2021 swim season, he was named a captain of his high school team. At Rogers, Serth holds several team records and was a Rhode Island State Championship qualifier during his freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons (Rhode Island did not hold a State Championship meet during his senior season due to COVID-19). During his freshman campaign, Serth finished first overall in the 100 breaststroke at the Division 2 Boys State Championship with a time of 1:04.93.
Serth came in second during his sophomore year, with a time of 1:05.67 and placed 3rd overall during his junior season with a time of 1:03.35.
Outside of school, Serth competes for the Newport County YMCA, where he is a New England Swimming Championship finalist.
Serth´s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of his medical expenses.
praying for a full recovery!
I think the obvious comment has already been made.
I pray for a full recovery!
Friends lost their 14 year old to a skateboarding head injury. He was a skilled and experienced skateboarder who didn’t wear a helmet because he was “right in front of his house” and wouldn’t do any tricks. It doesn’t matter how good or how safe you think you are: please wear a helmet skateboarding, bike riding, etc. I’ll be hoping for the best possible outcome for Will! sending support to teammates and classmates; this is hard on them too.
Wear a helmet, kids.