New Jersey Man Critically Injured While Vacationing in Italy

A man from New Jersey, recently engaged, has sustained severe injuries after jumping into the sea from nearly 100 feet while on vacation in Italy with his fiancée.

Jacob Fleig, 22, hailing from Berlin, New Jersey, was at Fiordo di Furore— a picturesque inlet along the Amalfi Coast— on October 5 when he made the jump from a coastal road, as reported both in the U.S. and Italy.

Following the incident, he underwent several critical surgeries and is currently in intensive care, as noted by his brother. In a GoFundMe post, Jimmy Dorner mentioned the family’s priority is to ensure Jacob becomes stable enough for a transfer back to America for further surgeries and ongoing rehabilitation.

A cousin shared on Facebook that, a day after the unfortunate event, Jacob was in a medically induced coma at a hospital in Salerno, with family members traveling to be by his side.

Interestingly, Jacob had proposed to his girlfriend right after their arrival in Italy, and she accepted.

Reports indicate that Jacob’s landing position in the water was unfavorable, causing a significant back injury. Emergency responders swiftly transported him to a hospital, from where he was later airlifted to Salerno. The next day, while the injury was considered serious, it was thankfully not deemed life-threatening.

Jacob is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, according to his LinkedIn page. His brother describes him as a bright presence in the lives of those around him, highlighting his humor and magnetism as immediate drawcards.

As of Saturday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign, aimed at raising $50,000, has already collected over $47,000.

Fiordo di Furore is not only known for its beauty but also serves as a popular destination where professional divers often leap from cliffs during organized events. While it attracts thrill-seeking tourists who dive off rocks, visitors are cautioned about potential hazards like hidden rocks and shallow waters, with authorities advising against diving into unfamiliar areas.

This incident underscores the risks associated with such adventurous activities, as a local resident expressed concerns about mass tourism and its impact on the region.