Pier jumper 'may not walk again'

Sonny Wells was airlifted to hospital from the beach

A young man who dived from a Hampshire pier in a practice known as "tombstoning" has broken his neck and may never walk again, police say.

Sonny Wells, 20, of Waterlooville, Hampshire, was airlifted to hospital after jumping from South Parade Pier in Southsea on Sunday afternoon.

He plunged about 9m (30ft) into 1m (3ft) of water and hit the bottom, causing severe neck and head injuries.

Solent Coastguard have warned people not to dive from a height into water.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Constabulary said: "He broke his neck in the fall and has been told that he may not walk again.

"He will be remaining in Southampton General Hospital for the foreseeable future as he begins treatment."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version