This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Bakersfield Man In A Coma After Horrific Ziplining Accident During Vacation In Mexico
A Bakersfield couple is in Mexico facing enormous medical bills after the husband slammed into a cliff while ziplining on vacation.Brian and Shimeaka Hodges were vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to celebrate their anniversary and Shimeaka's birthday. They decided to try out the "Wild Canyon" zipline, KTLA reports. The website for Wild Canyon refers to the ziplines as "ultra-safe" and "the safest tour in Cabo."
Shimeaka finished the zipline without incident. Then, it was Brian's turn. A friend of the couple told KTLA that he could see as Brian ziplined that he was only about 20 feet away from the mountains nearby. When a sudden gust of wind caught Brian, he was sent crashing into the side of a cliff at about 40 mph.
When they reached Brian, he was unconscious with broken ribs and broken bones in his neck and back. However, his international insurance would only cover half of the bill and Shimeaka said the Mexican hospital where he was taken would only begin to treat him— despite the severity of his injuries—if they got the other half up front. Shimeaka had to use to a credit card to provide the hospital with $50,000.
Because of severe brain swelling, Brian cannot fly, and so the Hodges remain in Mexico. Shimeaka has also received another bill, this one for $28,000.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the couple with Brian's medical bills.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
