Nathan Stapleton, a former NRL star, has received tragic news that he is paralysed.
Former Cronulla player Nathan Stapleton has received heartbreaking news after being rushed to the hospital with a serious neck injury.
Former Sharks star Nathan Stapleton has been told that he is paralyzed from the shoulders down.
It was confirmed this week that he fractured his neck while playing country rugby union in New South Wales.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Stapleton has now been told that he is quadriplegic.
The 32-year-old’sspinalcord was damaged at the C4 level of his cervical vertebrae, according to a statement posted on a new Go Fund Me page by his family.
The talented fullback was taken to West Wyalong District Hospital after being caught in a ruck while playing for Boorowa against West Wyalong in the Central West District Rugby Union on April 9.
On Tuesday, the Boorowa Rugby Club announced that he was still in serious condition in hospital after being transferred to the spinal unit at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney.
Stapleton’s family confirmed the tragic news on Friday.
“Nathan was hospitalised after fracturing his neck while playing country rugby union on April 9, 2022 in West Wyalong,” according to the Go Fund Me page.
“Nathan sustained severe spinal cord injuries during contact, necessitating extensive medical care.”
Nathan received first aid until paramedics arrived, thanks to an incredible effort on the part of members of each club. Nathan was airlifted to Sydney for emergency medical treatment after he was stabilised.
“Nathan has begun his recovery in the hospital, and while he improves every day, the extent of his injuries and long-term impact are unknown. Nathan’s spinal cord is damaged at the C4 level of his cervical vertebrae.
“At this point, the injury has rendered Nathan quadriplegic, paralyzed from the shoulders down.
“While the Stapleton family remains hopeful that Nathan will regain some movement, it is clear that he will require long-term support and care.”
“Anyone who knows Nathan can attest to his unwavering determination and exceptional work ethic.
He has demonstrated this through his success in the NRL with the Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Roosters.
“There is no doubt that Nathan will apply the same tenacity and dedication to his rehabilitation and recovery. There is no limit to what Nathan can accomplish.
Stapleton has an 18-month-old son and expects a new baby with his partner Kate this year.
According to reports, a Cronulla Sharks welfare officer has contacted Stapleton and his young family as he continues to be treated in hospital.
A nurse was present at the game when Stapleton was injured and was able to provide first aid before paramedics arrived.
According to reports this week, spectators saw Stapleton turn blue and treated him on the field with a defibrillator.
Stapleton scored 17 tries in 61 Sharks games and earned representative honours when named to the Prime Minister’s XIII in 2012.
He retired professionally in 2016 after playing for the London Broncos.
The news has rocked the Australian sporting community.
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