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Name:	bigfish -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 8:24:59 AM

On the afternoon of June 13, 2010 my nephew, Ryan Penney, jumped from Acapulco Rock (aka Chimney Rock) and burst the T12 vertebrae in his back. He is paralyzed from the waist down.

Ryan is a wonderful young man, a sophomore at Samford University. We are all from Nashville, and this was only his second visit to Lake Martin. He was brought to Chimney Rock by his girlfriend and her family, and had no idea of the danger and previous accidents that have happened to people jumping from the rock. He has spent the summer trying to recover from the accident after a lifeflight to Montgomery and then Birmingham, a six hour surgery at UAB in Birmingham, a four week stay at UAB and Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital, and now as an outpatient at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.

I understand that many, many people jump from the rock every summer and very few get hurt. However, the few that do get hurt are often injured in catastrophic ways. I know that there were at least 2, and possibly 3 other accidents that happened at the Rock in June of this year. I would appreciate hearing from anyone else who has experienced an injury from jumping off Chimney Rock, this summer or previously. You can contact me through the email link in this forum. Captain Matt Brooks of the Alabama Marine police (Matt.Brooks@DCNR.alabama.gov) is also interested in hearing from anyone who has been injured in a jump from the rock. A reported from the Alexander City Outlook, Katie Cole, published a story about Ryan's accident in the Friday, July 30 issue.

I urge everyone who visits Chimney Rock to refrain from jumping off the highest point. Please, be safe.
Linda Floyd
Nashville, Tennessee

Name:	F1Fan -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 9:08:13 AM

Best of luck to your nephew in his recovery. That's a devastating injury to occur at any age. Since you've posted here and given the tone of your story and requests, I'm curious if his family is searching around for people/entities to blame, or more likely sue, for an adult jumping off a 60' cliff face into the water? Or, alternatively, working towards some restriction or notice on the area. I'm sure some will think this comes across wrong which is not my intent, but you must admit that's how it sounds. There have been injuries and laughter from jumpers there since probably soon after the lake filled, and the overwhelming majority of people have looked at it and simply said "not for me." It's a choice, and it's not subtle in its potential consequences to anyone who looks at it.

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 10:21:17 AM

I have to agree with you F1Fan. One of my best friends broke his neck jumping off the rock back in '02 I think it was. Two surgeries and he is fine now, by the grace of God. He realizes NOBODY forced him to do what he did, it was his choice. He is lucky to be alive, much less walking and jogging everyday. I have empathy for anyone that has been injured, but this post did seem like a 'casting net' attempting to find other 'victims'. I will pass this info on to him, but I am betting I already know his response. It will be something along the lines of let them pound sand.

Name:	bigfish -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 10:21:23 AM

So sorry. I think you misread my intent. Right now we are completely focused on my nephew's recovery, but we are also hoping to help avoid another tragic accident by informing as many people as possible of the risks of jumping from the Rock. There is no way to accurately count how many people may have been injured over the years, and it is possible that there have been other accidents that, taken as a total, would illustrate that jumping from 60' into the water isn't as harmless as it seems. Thanks.

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	Personal Responsibility
Date:	8/3/2010 10:34:23 AM

First of all let me wish your nephew a speedy and complete recovery. I agree with F1Fan - 100% of the blame for his accident SHOULD fall on his shoulders. When I was young and stupid, I jumped off The Rock and had big fun doing it - I would not do so now. Nobody gets out of life alive, whether you take risks (whatever that means) or not. I would dare say that more people are hurt or killed going to or from the lake than are killed enjoying the water. I do not think that we need a sign posted that proclaims "Warning: All Laws of Gravity Apply", parents should provide guidence to children, once they reach adulthood - the lessons may be far less easy.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 11:01:48 AM

Linda:

I was sorry to hear about the accident and am glad he is rehabilitating at Shepherd. They are a world class facility (I have a brother who is a quad from a car accident). I never allowed my kids to jump off the high rock but let them jump off the low one to their heart's content. Not much higher than a platform dive at a pool.

I appreciate your warning about the dangers of jumping off the high rock and maybe others will hear your tale and decide it is not worth the risk. I am curious why you are collecting information on other injuries. What will you do with that information? Is there going to be some attempt to ban jumping from the rock?

Name:	F1Fan -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 11:22:01 AM

My apologies for misinterpreting. (see pro athletes/rockstars/Congressman, that's not so hard!) If someone could come up with a way to educate "jumpers" a little more on the risks before they are crazy enough to give it a go I think that would be great. I'm not sure how that could be done, but there are more creative people than I around the lake! I'm pretty sure most of the folks would still take a "not happening to me" attitude but at least some might think better of it. I've driven some folks there over the years to jump both from the top and from Chicken Rock. Most were adults in my age group. As my kids friends have gotten older, and more likely to climb on up, I've restricted this to lower jumps and only after their parents are either there or completely aware of what they are doing even at that level. And for emphasis, grabbing them by the vest/ears/whatever before they get off the boat and reminding them that changing their plans to the upper point is a non-negotiable option they don't have. So far I've been convincing, but with a college student now taking them there who knows what foolishness may occur!

Name:	cstewa -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 3:32:04 PM

When jumping from the high point, do injuries occur from bad water entry?, hitting the bottom after entry?, or not making it to the water and hitting the cliff face?

I have never done, never will do it...and never will my kids do it...but they do jump off chicken ledge.

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 3:38:17 PM

The injuries are from water impact - if you just step off, you will hit the water 15 - 20 feet from the base, the water is deep enough that you will NOT hit the bottom. We were jumping and taking pictures about 25 years ago, one of our friends hit with his legs almost crossed in front of him as well. Aside from some pain, he had no permanent damage, until the pictures were developed, we did not understand why he did not jump again.

Name:	F1Fan -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 3:50:01 PM

The water impact is pretty severe and, as I understand it, the cause in virtually every instance of injury. I'm not sure the exact height, but assuming 65 feet and a 175# person jumping, velocity at impact is around 45mph. That's a big lick. People that are lucky and smart enough to go straight in with legs together likely don't get hurt, other then possible ear/sinus problems. Any variance from that results in a big risk of a wide range of problems as we've all seen/heard. Nobody's getting remotely close to the bottom there. I've butted my boat up against the wall and got a depth reading of 80+ feet. A few feet out from the wall it drops off even more. I've often wondered if anyone's slipped and clobbered themselves bouncing off the rock(s) on the way down. I've never been up there, but I'm more nervous watching people inch out that last half a foot than I am once they jump!

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 5:23:45 PM

Most of the injuries are from hitting the water at the wrong angle or position. If you hit it vertically with your toes pointed even from that height there is very little potential for injury (unless you are a guy and leave your legs open.....ouch!). But from that height if you hit the water wrong you can be severely injured which is why I don't let my kids or their friends jump from the upper rock. Your body accelerates at 32 feet per second per second so if it takes 2 seconds you are going 64 feet per second which is 44 miles per hour. Water at that speed is very hard. From the lower rock you never get fast enough to do anything more than bruise yourself.

Name:	Lake Magazine -	Reply
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

Name:	Lake Magazine -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 6:07:23 PM

Here’s an excerpt from a column I wrote about the Ryan Penney article:

“Thousands of people jump off Acapulco Rock each year and swim away injury free, but a quick Google search reveals just how dangerous a bad landing can be.

In 1994 former Auburn University head coach Terry Bowden broke several ribs after jumping off the rock. In 1999 LPGA golfer Reilley Rankin sustained a cracked sternum, two broken vertebrae, a bruised heart and bruised lungs after a bad fall. Si Mathison, a Montgomery man, damaged his spine, including a burst vertebra, but avoided paralysis after jumping from the rock in 2006. That same year, a 16-year-old Ohio boy named Kyle Reaves was knocked unconscious and suffered a collapsed lung after jumping from the rock. He never resurfaced and his body was recovered about 20 minutes after he fell.

In most of these cases, the injured person had a bad landing. Bowden reportedly dove off the rock. Rankin landed in a seated position and Reaves supposedly landed on his side.”

You can read the rest of it here: http://www.lakemartinmagazine.com/2010/08/03/column-in-the-weekend-outlook/.

Please feel free to contact me about the Chimney Rock article or anything else you'd like to see in the magazine.

Thanks,
Katie Cole
Lake

Name:	Kizma Anuice -	Reply
Subject:	What we should do
Date:	8/3/2010 7:04:01 PM

I have jumped off the rock over 100 times. I was never injured except being stung by a wasp while waiting form my turn to jump.

We should find one of those guys that paints the graffiti on the rock and get him to start a tally. The date could start back in 1960 or as far back as Katie's research goes. We could have a KILLED COLUMN and an INJURED COLUMN. It should be very large and hard to get to so that when everyone drives up they would know.

This would not have stopped me from jumping, it might actually encouraged me, but it would have made me aware of the risk. And it would probably bring more people to the rock to see if the numbers changed.

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 7:24:36 PM

Be sure to get an interview from the lawyers of Alabama Power Company, owners of the island including Acapulco Rock. Should be enlightening.

Name:	lakeplumber -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 7:55:23 PM

In 1972 I was among a group of senior boys from Tallassee who boated up to "the Rock". We all dared each other to the point of commitment to jump off the high position. Once we all got to the top, it was startling to me how far down the water's surface appeared to be. I think that 2 people jumped in and it was now my turn. I was at the point of backing out when the others in the group sensed that I was not going through with the ritual began to yell "chicken $h!t". I jumped without think about it any further until I was airborne. As has been noted in this thread, it takes about 2 seconds to hit the water from that height. During that time I resolved that I was no longer going to cave in to peer pressure attempting to do feats of danger (I broke that promise to myself but thankfully, never was injured by my stupidity). When I hit the water I was holding my arms straight out (making the shape of a "T"). I did this thinking the arms being out would somehow slow my freefall into the water. I hit the water at the speed which the laws of physics assigned to me and the waters surface severely bruised the underside of my outstretched arms. That was my last jump from there.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/3/2010 9:09:29 PM

To me it is an attractive nuisance. I am surprised no one has sued Alabama Power for their injuries and stupidity. If I ownbed it, I would fence it off. If you owned it, would you permit the jumping from the high rock? Would you charge a fee to jump?

Name:	jalcz -	Reply
Subject:	Katie...
Date:	8/4/2010 1:32:35 AM

I look forward to your article. However, you would be doing a great deal for your credibility as a journalist if you would note that the "jumping rock" is NOT Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock isn't even on the same island; it is a longtime landmark and is located just south of "the rocks." (The "bridge to nowhere" goes to Chimney Rock Island.)

The island that people jump from is Acapulco Rock. If you look at a map, Acapulco Rock is MUCH smaller than Chimney Rock Island, and it is a separate island (depending on the water level; at low levels a land bridge is exposed.) And even when that land bridge is exposed and Chimney Rock and Acapulco Rock are on the same island, they are NOT the same thing.

This isn't a personal attack; MANY people make the same mistake. TOO many, and if stories about the rocks would have the correct information, maybe that mistake would cease. Yes, it's no big deal, but it does us old-timers good to hear people correctly differentiate between the two rock formations; it makes us think that maybe some of the newer folks actually care enough about the lake to get the names right. :-)

Name:	jalcz -	Reply
Subject:	Exact height...
Date:	8/4/2010 1:36:27 AM

It's surprising to most people, especially those of us who have stood up there and looked down (whether they have jumped or not) but a full-pool measurement of Acapulco rock would show that it is about 49 feet from the top to the water. Or, I should say ONLY about 49 feet, since it looks like it would be closer to 100 feet! :-)

Name:	lakngulf -	Reply
Subject:	Katie...
Date:	8/4/2010 8:27:01 AM

If you say chimney rock at lake martin, folks will know what you are talking about.

Name:	Lake Magazine -	Reply
Subject:	Katie...
Date:	8/4/2010 9:30:02 AM

jalcz: I did use Acapulco Rock in both the story and the column. I just used Chimney Rock in the post on the website. From the article: "Ryan Penney has never been a risk-taker. But when the 20-year-old Nashville native saw dozens of people jumping off Acapulco Rock, better known as Chimney Rock, on a Sunday afternoon this summer, he thought he would give it a try." My boss made sure to explain that one to me soon after I moved to the area. Thanks, Katie

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/4/2010 12:17:40 PM (updated 8/4/2010 12:19:32 PM)

I suppose the reason no one has sued is that the majority of people that can afford boats and a house on the lake believe in personal responsibility. People who don't take personal responsibility for their decision to climb up a rock and jump off then they run off to the lawyers.

As for an attractive nuisance, the only ones I have seen at the rock were wearing bikini's and were dancing to loud music. That's why I don't take my teenagers there much anymore.

Name:	Concerned Citizen -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/4/2010 12:24:17 PM

A warning method might not be a bad idea afterall. We were skiing Jackson Hole's gondola run several years back. When we got to the top, the ranger station had at least 50 pairs of skis nailed to the exterior wall. Names and ages were inscribed on the face of each ski. It listed children, couples, seniors, professionals...the whole spectrum. Turns out, this wall was a monument to those who died skiing that run on those very skis. Needless to say my novice a-- got right back on the next gondola for a warm ride down.

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	A warning method?
Date:	8/4/2010 1:27:59 PM

There is a big difference between a ski run that you should study, and a rock cliff from which you jump. I would bet that well over 99% of the Rock jumpers approached by boat from the front (although I have seen a few EXIT stage rear), so they would see what they were facing in one quick view. You are not dealing with a black slope with changing conditions, this is a two second drop. Would you also advocate more warning labels on vehicles, hammers, blenders, and condoms (better be a VERY small sign on that one)?

Name:	Concerned Citizen -	Reply
Subject:	A warning method?
Date:	8/4/2010 1:56:16 PM

  Not to be petty but we looked at the run the entire way up. Skiing is actually similar in that it always looks easier from the bottom than the top. You can be fooled in both...with or without doing any homework.
   Actually you may be right though. Come to think of it there were no warnings connected the the skis........just dead people.

Name:	DJ -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/4/2010 2:14:49 PM

If you take someone to "The Rock" in your boat and they want to get out and jump you should take the time to tell them of the dangers and the stories of those that have died, Show them the plack on the side of "The Rock". I have built a dive tower on my dock to teach my grand kids how to jump correctly cause I know they will do it when the time comes for them to take off on thier own.

Name:	Jural -	Reply
Subject:	A warning method?
Date:	8/4/2010 2:31:59 PM

If it keeps one person from injury or death, then I am for a warning. What could it hurt? Sometimes we need a bit of reality to overcome poor judgment.

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	A warning method?
Date:	8/4/2010 2:38:03 PM

Anyone with a working brain would do well to survey the risks they are about to face whenever possible, and I think that you did the smart thing by paying attention to your course. I have done very little downhill, and learned quickly that things like ice will do it's best to put the ouch on you... I just don't feel that every danger needs to be identified with a bright yellow sticker, it seems to lessen the impact of them all. The post by Capt Brooks with regards to PWC injuries is an example - without proper instruction, people are unlikely to read the 14 warning labels on various locations of these things BEFORE they hit the throttle.

Name:	jwh445 -	Reply
Subject:	A warning method?
Date:	8/4/2010 5:33:35 PM

As Jeff Foxworthy once said, "HERE'S YA SIGN"

A shear rock cliff, as constructed by nature, not Disney World. 60ft from the unmarked water below. Do people really need any more of a sign? How will it read?

The memorial plaque on Chicken rock is enough of a sign for me. I point it out to everyone before they leave my boat.

Sorry about the accident, I will be praying for a speedy recovery.

Name:	woodman60 -	Reply
Subject:	paralysis from Chimney Rock accident
Date:	8/5/2010 7:07:06 PM

There have been trauma studies performed in the past on suicide jumpers from bridges. Basically, anything over 160 feet is like jumping onto concrete ie similar internal injury pattern and not survivalable.

Name:	Campbd -	Reply
Subject:	Jumped at My Own Risk
Date:	8/6/2010 3:19:19 PM

I have jumped off the Rock many times. I have had many friends jump off the Rock as well. We have had only a few injuries. They have been limited to injuries to the ear. I think I can count about 3 burst ear drums. But you know what, each of these friends have healed 100% and every one of them have jumped again. We all know the risk of jumping and would never point a finger at anyone else. I have even jumped off "Lost Boys" (the tallest launch point) at 3AM (along with 3 other people) with a full moon. I never saw the water coming, had a rough impact, got the wind knocked out of me, and I have jumped many times since.

Just like everything else in life, I assume responsibility for my actions and decisions.

Name:	Feb -	Reply
Subject:	Jumped at My Own Risk
Date:	8/8/2010 8:01:19 AM

I appreciate your acceptance of responsibility for your actions in life; therefore I assume you are reffering to the fact you would not sue or attempt to take legaal action against others. There could be another issue. Do you have sufficient income or personal medical insurance to cover significant time in a hospital bed, rehab attention, and etc. to cover a serious injury? I am referring to medial cost in the thousands per day for an extended period. Otherwise, you are not taking responsibility for your actions since other like myself will cover your medical cost with our insurance premiums and bills for medical coverage. This is the only way hospitals, medical protessionals, insurance companies can stay solvent and profitable. In severe cases, these health care could continue for a life-life and be in the millions for an single incident. If you can answer in the affirmative, then I certainly agree you are capable of assuming full responsibility for your actions Then you must also accept the responsibility for the drain financially and emotionally upon your family and love ones too.

Name:	Feb -	Reply
Subject:	Jumped at My Own Risk
Date:	8/8/2010 2:45:53 PM

I appologize for all the typos, but I can offer excuses for my poor grammar. I do hope the intent of my post came across.

Name:	UncleSam -	Reply
Subject:	But Feb...
Date:	8/8/2010 10:41:27 PM

Every day, people do things that are statistically more risky/dangerous, with as much-- or less-- insurance; should they be held to a higher or lower standard of responsibility?

The fact is, accidents are going to happen; just because those accidents might cost YOU money is no reason to outlaw them. Or, if it is a reason, I want to hear you speak out against all of those things. They include:

Driving cars
Riding in cars
Riding bicycles
Riding motorcycles
Owning Dogs
Eating
And the list goes on....

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Careful....
Date:	8/8/2010 11:36:19 PM

The Dems might get some more ideas....:>(

Name:	Feb -	Reply
Subject:	But Feb...
Date:	8/9/2010 12:11:26 AM

Oh come on, how you can compare its risk to the activities you listed? So, UncleSam your joshing has provided with a good laugh I really could care less about people jumping from Acapulco Rock. I will even contribute a dollar to double its height. My Point - It would be diffcult to state "you take full responsibility for a risky action" when I doubt any of us could actually follow through with the boast if things went bad.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Jumped at My Own Risk
Date:	8/9/2010 8:45:26 AM

Feb, I get your point that often people say they are willing to take responsibility until something really bad happens and some lawyer convinces them that despite the fact that it was their own decision they or their family can make a financial killing. I don't think anyone can answer with total certainty what their families would do but the fact that no one has sued anyone over injuries and even one death from jumping from the rock at least demonstrates that some people do take personal responsibility, doesn't it?

I personally don't see jumping from the rock any differently than boating or swimming. It is an activity that is fraught with a certain amount of risk that people undertake for their enjoyment. And yet, sometimes people are injured and sometimes a death occurs and families are negatively impacted, insurance companies have to pay, etc. Many, many more people drown in Lake Martin each year than than are killed jumping and yet I would not suggest that people stop swimming. Likewise, even though I won't and my kids and their friends are not allowed to jump from the high rock I am not going to tell someone not to. I think driving motorcycles on the road is too dangerous (because of other drivers) but I am not going to tell someone they are being irresponsible toward their families and society because it represents more danger than other forms of transportation.

Having said all that, I agree with you that people have to take personal responsibility for their actions. The good news is that many do, the bad news is that many don't.

Name:	Feb -	Reply
Subject:	Jumped at My Own Risk
Date:	8/9/2010 9:06:15 AM

Please read my reply to UncleSam. Your interpretation of what I attempted to state is only a minor point in my diatribe. I hoped my major point was: We can not boast of our full personal responsibility when actually if ax experience goes dreadfully wrong, society as a whole may end up bearing much of the cost to include the victim's family and loved ones. Personally, I do not care if people jump, swing, dive, or almost any other water activity often discussed on the Forum. Have at it and while you are there do it to whatever extreme you so desire. It is not my butt.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Jumped at My Own Risk
Date:	8/9/2010 12:48:42 PM

Feb, I got your main point and I think I started by agreeing with you.

Name:	Feb -	Reply
Subject:	Thanks - No Text
Date:	8/9/2010 4:46:15 PM

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