Milford, New Hampshire, teenager breaks neck when diving into wave on Hampton Beach

Aiden Sloan, a 16-year-old from New Hampshire, suffered severe injuries, including a broken neck, during a diving accident at Hampton Beach. His mother, Melina Burton, detailed that Aiden dove into what he thought was a deep wave, only to hit a sandbar. After failing to resurface, his cousins pulled him from the water, where he exhibited alarming symptoms, prompting immediate medical attention. Doctors performed surgery to stabilize his neck, but Aiden still experiences limited movement and significant pain. Lifeguard Patrick Murphy warned swimmers about the dangers of diving in shallow waters, stressing the need to assess wave depth carefully.

Aiden's condition remains serious as he stays in intensive care. He is expected to spend several weeks in the hospital before moving to a rehabilitation facility. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about water safety at popular beach locations.