There are many very dangerous sports, but playing Frisbee is usually not one of them. But it was precisely this hobby that turned out to be a near-fatal disaster for the American Dylan Riley: after a fall, the 31-year-old had to have both legs and parts of his hands amputated.
The tragedy began in October 2023: Riley was playing dis golf with friends in Oklahoma City on a sunny afternoon. In this game you have to throw a Frisbee into baskets with as few throws as possible. When he tried to pick up the play equipment from the ground, he tripped and injured his right knee. “I’m a klutz,” Riley told People magazine.
As a nurse, mother could not detect any infection
His mother, an infectious disease nurse, examined the wound but could find no dramatic infection. The young man continued with his daily life, but two weeks after the fall, Riley’s health deteriorated dramatically.
A photo of Riley before the accident that changed his life. In this photo he also injured his hand:
He woke up sweaty and felt like he had the flu. He suffered from body aches, fever and vomiting. He took a warm bath for relief, but after getting out of the bath he could no longer move. He alerted his roommate, who called emergency services. After paramedics arrived, he lost consciousness.
Diagnosis: toxic shock syndrome
At the hospital he was diagnosed with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. A rare but serious infection that is often fatal. “He came to our hospital seriously ill, practically on the verge of death,” said his doctor, Dr. Bob Schoaps, the dramatic situation. The dangerous bacteria had entered Riley’s bloodstream, his organs began to fail and his heart stopped beating. He had to be resuscitated twice. “If Dylan had stayed home for a few more hours, he most likely would not have survived,” said Schoaps.
Riley was connected to a machine that supported his heart and lung function, but some limbs weren’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood. Parts of his legs, hands and the tips of his ears began to turn black as the tissue died. Just before Christmas his legs had to be amputated. In January, parts of his hands were finally amputated.
Riley posted photos from the hospital on Facebook, showing humor in his difficult situation. Next to his photo, he posted a photo of a gingerbread man who was also missing his legs:
Riley optimistic: “It’s just the beginning of a new story”
Yet the American has not lost his optimism. He helps other amputees with their new situation. “The least I can do is help them realize that this is not the end – this is just the beginning of their new story,” he explains. He is grateful for life and knows: “It could have turned out very differently. My family would have had to plan a funeral.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
