Teen Involved in Parasailing Accident a 'Strong Believer in God'
A teen involved in a damaging parasailing accident in Florida last summer has spoken of her struggle to recovery in a recent interview, saying that her "strong belief in God" is the main motivator that helped her through her recovery.
In July 2013, 17-year-olds Sidney Good and Alexis Fairchild, both of Indiana, were tandem parasailing in Panama City, Fla., when the line pulling them from a boat broke loose. YouTube footage shows the two girls free-flying in the parasail apparatus, eventually slamming into the side of a building before dropping into a power line and landing on a parked car below. The company behind the parasailing service blamed the accident on extremely high winds caused by an afternoon storm.
Good sustained severe brain trauma, spinal injuries and a broken neck, and Fairchild also sustained severe back injuries and head trauma. While Fairchild was released from the Bay Medical Center in Panama City in July, Good still continues her struggle for rehabilitation, and doctors have reportedly told the teen not to expect a full recovery, as she continues to struggle with vision problems.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Speaking for the first time since the accident, Good told ABC News in a recent interview that her faith has helped guide her through such a traumatic experience. "I'm a very strong believer in God," Good told the media outlet. Good added that her body was "preparing itself to die" on her second day of injuries, but ultimately she pulled through.
Faith in God has been a strong theme throughout the teens' fight to recovery. After the incident happened in July, the company that provided the parasailing service, Aquatic Adventures, issued a statement saying it was "praying" for the teens' recovery.
"Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of the injured girls and we all pray for their speedy recovery," Aquatic Adventures owner Jeff Jones said in a statement to The News Herald. "While we adhere to best practices to minimize the risks associated with watersport activities, sudden weather conditions can and do occur."
Similarly, when Fairchild was released from the Panama City hospital in July, her father released a statement attributing her quick recovery to God. "I mean, without the prayers, I just don't know where we'd be at today. Because, I think God had a lot to do with this. Not only the doctors and nurses. We had Him on our side," Michael Fairchild told WMBB.
Good is using her faith in God to propel her toward her goal to graduate from high school with her class in May. Fairchild's family has filed a lawsuit against Aquatic Adventures, alleging negligence and seeking more than $15,000 in damages.
