NXT Young boy awake, breathing on his own after suffering brain bleed in OC helicopter crash
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — The family of a young boy who was badly injured when a helicopter crashed in Huntington Beach says he is off a ventilator, awake and breathing on his own.
Oliver Holland was with his family in Huntington Beach when the helicopter spiraled out of control and fell from the sky earlier this month.
In an update on the family’s GoFundMe page, his sister Madeline Ashwell said:
“We want to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love and support shown for Oliver. From sharing his story to donating and sending kind messages, each act of compassion has meant the world to our family. Your generosity continues to go directly toward Oliver’s medical expenses and ongoing recovery care.
We’re so happy to share that Oliver has made incredible progress over the past few days. He is now awake and breathing on his own, no longer needing a ventilator. Oliver recognizes his family, is able to communicate with us, and has even begun to move parts of his body. These are huge milestones that fill us with hope and relief. His doctors are very encouraged by his progress and believe he’s on a strong path toward recovery.
While there’s still a long road ahead, we’re beyond grateful for how far he’s come and for the steady improvements we’re seeing every day.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for continuing to keep Oliver in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness, encouragement, and support have given our family so much strength during this time. We’ll continue to share updates as Oliver continues to heal and make progress.”
The helicopter was coasting above the beach when it suddenly lost control and began spiraling in midair, eventually losing altitude and slamming into a row of palms as stunned beachgoers looked on.
Multiple videos recorded by witnesses show the aircraft twirling clockwise, then plunging toward the edge of the beach, where it becomes wedged between palms and a staircase near Pacific Coast Highway.
The Huntington Beach Fire Department said five people were hospitalized, including two who were inside the helicopter and were “safely pulled from the wreckage.” Three other people on the street were injured, including Oliver. He suffered a collapsed lung and a brain bleed.
