OUTER BANKS, N.C. — A 19-year-old who was seriously injured in a skimboarding incident in Kill Devil Hills last month is making progress in his recovery, his family tells WTKR News 3.
Colin Tibbs was hospitalized after he sustained a serious injury while skimboarding Avalon Fishing Pier on June 24.
On Wednesday, the family clarified the circumstances of his injury, saying he did not, in fact, hit a piling at the pier as had been reported. They say he wiped out on his skimboard and the injury was caused when he went into the water and hit the ocean floor.
As a result, Tibbs is recovering from a severe spinal cord injury, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support his road to rehabilitation.
Tibbs has left the Intensive Care Unit and is now preparing to transition to an inpatient rehabilitation center.
Watch previous coverage: Outer Banks man rescues teen injured while skimboarding
"He spoke his first sentence out loud this morning and we are praying he’ll be able to drink liquids today. He has a long road to recovery, but he is in good spirits and is ready to tackle the battle of a lifetime," the family member said.
Three vigils are being held on behalf of Tibbs. The locations and times of the vigils are listed below:
- Wednesday July 9 at 7 p.m. at Perquimans High School soccer field located at 305 Edenton Road Street, Hertford, NC 27944
- Thursday, July 10th at 6:30 p.m., simultaneous vigils at two places:
- Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (outside the main entrance near CHKD)
- Evangelical Methodist Church at 820 Old Okisko Rd, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
On the day of the incident, Randy Tillett, who was visiting the beach with his family, jumped into action and pulled Tibbs from the water. Tibbs' family said Makaiya Davis Lockhart and Sam Zak performed CPR on the injured teen, calling them "crucial" in the lifesaving effort.
Watch related: Man who rescued skimboarder is a News 3 'Everyday Hero'
“We all started CPR. I started the chest compressions, another woman started the mouth-to-mouth, and we just kept trying our best until EMTs got there. It was very hectic, definitely a big thing for all of us to experience," said Tillett.
