Ryan Curtis paralyzed with “life altering injuries,” broken neck and back after training accident
Ryan Curtis, a professional mixed martial artist with a record of 6-4, suffered “life altering injuries” while training on Thursday.
The Irish fighter was hospitalized with a broken neck, broken back, and dislocated spine. Curtis currently has no movement in his legs and left arm.
The featherweight fighter – who has a two-year-old daughter – is currently in the intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital after undergoing surgery for his injuries. Curtis was set to face Italian fighter Davide Scarano for the Cage Conflict title on Feb. 24.
Curtis teammate’ Leah McCourt has started a GoFundMe fundraiser for her friend. UFC star Conor McGregor has donated £25,000 towards the campaign.
Thank you everyone for their support so far. It means a lot to Emma and family. I will try and keep you updated on Ryan’s condition as we learn morehttps://t.co/JH2vrQtnDL
— Leah McCourt (@leahmccourtmma) January 14, 2024
It reads:
“As an athlete and human the unimaginable has happened to our beloved Ryan. He was involved in a life altering incident during a training session on Thursday 11th January.
“Ryan has suffered a broken back, broken neck and dislocated spine. During this injury, trauma was also caused to Ryan’s spinal cord. The damage is classified as the most severe that can happen to a spinal cord. He was rushed to the Royal in Belfast and underwent emergency surgery.
“Currently Ryan has no movement in his legs or his left arm. The road ahead is unknown and will involve at least 5 months of him in hospital, followed by a further period of time with a specialist spinal team. There is no exact end date to when this treatment will be complete.
“I’m sure you all know Ryan is a dad to 2-year-old Kassia and partner to our beautiful friend @emzac. Ryan has the most infectious positive outlook in life and has been through some of the most horrific circumstances always coming out a better human, man and friend.
“Understandably he is distressed at present, we have limited access to see him. He is in ICU and hopefully being moved to spinal ward when conditions improve. He is still showing his positive outlook, his determination and mindset to overcome yet another challenge that life has presented.
“It’s times like this we thank God for the team of family and friends we have around Emma, Ryan and Kassia. The outpouring of love and support is a testament to who Ryan is as a human and how many people’s lives he has made better by simply knowing him.
“Ryan will never be able to do what he loves, and fight or train in MMA again. A sport he has dedicated his life to from the age of 11.
“Ryan will be out of work for the foreseeable future and we are trying to take any additional load or stress of Ryan’s family and daughter by creating a page to raise some funds to help towards rehabilitation, vital treatment, recovery and supporting his family.”
