Teen in Intensive Care Following Diving Accident at Hampton Beach
A teenager is currently in intensive care after suffering serious injuries during a diving accident at Hampton Beach.
The incident took place Monday afternoon in New Hampshire, where 19-year-old Aiden Sloan and his cousin were enjoying the water. “He was jumping into the waves. I’ve done it countless times,” noted Hampton Beach Fire Chief Michael McMahon. “I think he misjudged the depth.”
Sloan’s mother, Melina Burton, shared her perspective with Fox News Digital, describing the life-altering moment she learned of her son’s injuries. “They were just jumping in like kids do,” she explained. “There was a sandbar no one knew about, and he really slammed into it.”
When Sloan’s cousin recognized something was wrong, he managed to drag him back to shore, realizing he wasn’t breathing. “He wasn’t moving at all,” one cousin recalled in an interview. “It felt like we were carrying a lifeless body.”
Burton expressed her gratitude towards the cousin, acknowledging that Aiden might not be alive today without his swift action. “These kids are really amazing,” she said, referring to both boys. “I told Michael, ‘Can I hold you?’ I’m just so thankful he saved my boy.”
In recent days, Aiden has shown some progress, sitting up in his hospital chair for short periods as part of his recovery. Aiden was hospitalized with a broken neck but is receiving strong support from his family and friends.
McMahon weighed in, mentioning he had a similar incident years ago. “It’s not something we see often, and it’s unfortunate,” he commented. “Usually, when we respond, it’s related to reckless behavior, but this was just kids having fun in the heat.”
A GoFundMe page has been created for Sloan to help cover medical expenses. According to the page, he misjudged the water depth and suffered a serious neck injury that has left him unable to move his legs or hands, though he retains some arm movement. His mother, a single parent, wants to be by his side during the recovery process.
Burton shared that it’s still too early to determine if Aiden has sustained permanent damage, but he continues to show strength and resilience as he faces each day. “The doctors only met him this morning. They explained the surgery he had and the nature of his injury, but he was so drowsy earlier that he didn’t fully grasp what was happening,” she said.
His employers have also stepped up, with the restaurant where Aiden works committing to support him and donate a portion of sales for his medical costs. “Aiden is part of our Greenleaf family,” the restaurant stated. “We’ve seen him grow over the years and are here for him and his family during this challenging time.”
Burton confirmed that Aiden is expected to remain in the hospital for several weeks before transitioning to rehabilitation. While there are still challenges ahead, she noted, “The positives seem to be starting to emerge.”
The doctors have been assessing his recovery by asking him to make moves with his hands and feet. Even small successes can be met with emotional responses, as he struggles to understand why certain attempts fail. “He gets really upset,” Burton said, reflecting on her son’s emotional journey. “But seeing him try is also a source of joy for all of us who know him.”
