Injured Teenager on Road to Recovery: Successful Surgery for Elijah Chinnery Confirmed

Jost Van Dyke resident Ivan Chinnery said his grandson Elijah Chinnery, who was seriously injured in a beach accident on Friday, surgery was successful.

The 14-year-old is now on a path to recovery.

The teenager was injured while celebrating on Jost Van Dyke beach on June 30 with his fellow 2023 graduating classmates.

He suffered multiple fractures in his neck, causing the vertebrae to break into pieces, resulting in paralysis.

Elijah was transferred to Broward Health Medical Center in Florida, where he underwent a crucial 90 minutes surgery to remove the fragmented bones from his neck.

The family explained that while the damage to the spine cannot be reversed, the surgery will play a vital role in determining Elijah’s future mobility.

According to medical experts, the high school student has an estimated 40/60 chance of regaining mobility with dedicated therapy.

The Chinnery family thanks the public for the support to date, and once again appealed for financial assistance to help with Elijah’s medical care.

Donations can be made by sending a message to searenity18@gmail.com or through Venmo at @Darlene-Chinnery.