Father of Five Paralyzed After Ocean Rescue Attempt at San Clemente Beach

A California father of five is facing a long and uncertain recovery after a heroic act of bravery left him paralyzed from the neck down.

Josh Collette, 42, was enjoying a day at Riviera Beach in San Clemente on August 15 when his life changed in an instant. According to his sister Hillary Collette, who spoke with KTLA, a young child—believed to be 7 or 8 years old—became trapped in a rip current offshore.

The child's mother was the first to rush into the water to reach her son. But Collette, demonstrating the kind of split-second heroism that often defines a true protector, ran past her and dove into the ocean without hesitation.

What happened next was devastating. As Collette entered the churning water, he struck either a sandbar or submerged rocks and was immediately and catastrophically injured. Bystanders rushed to his aid, pulling him from the surf. Despite his own critical condition, Collette managed to tell his wife right away that he believed he had broken his neck.

Miraculously, the child Collette had been attempting to save was safely extracted from the water before rescuers brought Collette himself to shore.

Doctors later confirmed the family's worst fears: Collette suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. His sister said he was initially unable to speak but found a way to communicate, moving his lips to form words. The family remains hopeful he will regain his ability to speak as time passes.

"Josh was hurt in an ocean accident on Sat Aug 15th he has a spinal cord injury," a family member wrote on a GoFundMe page established to help with mounting medical expenses. "The road ahead will be long, and the recovery will not be easy, we're holding on to hope."

The family's fundraiser, which has resonated with thousands of supporters, had raised nearly $110,000 as of Sunday night. The money will go toward extensive medical bills, long-term rehabilitation therapy, and ongoing support for Collette's wife and five children as they navigate what promises to be an arduous journey.

In a Friday update, the family expressed cautious optimism alongside the daily challenges of recovery.

"Yesterday was so positive and productive! So, it was hard to have a day with less progress," the post read. "This guy hates medicine! He's trying hard to get off of everything, but that's going to take some time."

The family also shared a photo of Collette from his hospital bed, a visual reminder of both the severity of his condition and the fighting spirit that drove him into the water in the first place.

"We're hanging in there and so grateful for all of you," the update continued. "We love you all so much and feel so loved by all the help you've given us."

Collette's loved ones have remained steadfast in their faith throughout the ordeal.

"We believe in miracles! We've already seen so many and thank everyone for the love, support, and prayers!" the fundraiser states. "Please keep praying for miracles! It's working!"

The community response has been overwhelming, with strangers moved by the story of a father's instinctive rush to protect another parent's child, even at enormous personal cost. As Collette begins the monumental task of rebuilding his life, he does so surrounded by a family and community determined to carry him through.