Name:   Lake Magazine - Subject:   paralysis from Chimney Rock accident Date:   8/3/2010 6:01:57 PM

I’m editor of Lake Magazine and a reporter for The Alexander City Outlook. I wrote the article about Ryan Penney in The Outlook and I’m also working on a broader, more in-depth story about Chimney Rock for Lake.

I’ve contacted local and regional hospitals and emergency responders to try to get an accurate estimate of how many people are injured each summer and the type of injuries. I’ve also contacted the marine police to discuss how to report injuries on the lake and whether they believe accidents are under-reported.

I’d also like anecdotal information, especially from people who have been injured from jumping off Chimney Rock. If you’ve been injured from a jump, whether it’s a dislocated shoulder or broken back, I’d like to talk to you. If you jump off Chimney Rock every summer and have never had an injury, I’d like to talk to you. You get the picture.

For the record, I’m not trying to get Chimney Rock closed or anything of that nature, but people have been very seriously injured jumping from landmark. I think it’s important to highlight both the beauty and dangers that accompany lake living.

You can email me at katie.cole@alexcityoutlook.com or editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

Thanks,
Katie Cole