As many are aware, tropical storm Fay hit Florida this week. It wasn't a hurricane, but a tropical storm does have winds that reach 73 miles per hour. Anytime there is severe weather you are encouraged to stay indoors for your own safety. Last I checked the rain, wind, flooding and debris that is associated with a strong tropical storm is a good reason to stay indoors unless there is an absolute need to go outside.
"A storm is coming, that means killer waves and bodacious winds right? I think I will take myself for some radical kite-surfing. Whoo hoo!" Those must have been the thoughts of Kevin Kearney. Where I live, we have had 84 mile per hour winds pound our house. I wouldn't fly a small kite in winds that high let alone a huge sail designed to capture the wind and carry you across the ocean waves. That didn't stop Kevin Kearney of Fort Lauderdale.
Kite Surfing in Tropical Storm.
From the local CBS affiliate WFOR:
A South Florida kite surfer who went for a wild ride during Tropical Storm Fay is doing better.
Wednesday morning 28-year old Kevin Kearney's condition was upgraded from critical to serious.
…
Fort Lauderdale fire rescue crews quickly arrived on the scene and transported him to Broward General Medical Center in critical condition. His friends believe Kearney will make a full recovery.
…In a statement, Kearney's family said, "Kevin is an experienced kite-boarder and an all around great guy. We ask that you keep Kevin in your prayers and respect our privacy."
Kearney's friends say he was strapped into a harness with emergency releases. However, everything happened so fast, it's possible he had no time to think about unhooking his clasps. The incident is a very surreal reminder of the dangers inherent in Tropical Storm-force winds.
Kiteboarding Surfboard - $399.00
Medical Bills - $10,000 and mounting.
Watching TV with Mom and saying, "Hey mom, I'm on TV!" - Priceless!
That is one of those moments when you trip and fall, then quickly get up and hope nobody saw you hit the pavement because that would be soooo embarrassing. In the words of Bill Engvall, "Here's your sign!"
I nominate Kevin for the Darwin awards.
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