[ricki]

Here is some input regarding this case from a physician in charge of the ER of a hospital with a large neurotrauma unit. He discussed and compared conclusions with a neurosurgeon collegue at the hospital.

"We don't believe that there should be any preexsisting injury to cause the fatality. Even a minor hyperextension- trauma of the cervical spine can cause a C2 fracture and hence spinal cord injury on a high level leading to respiratory insufficiency and death. Body-dragging in too shallow water (even with a soft sandy sole) and touching the bottom with some speed ( N= m x V) seems enough to us to explain the accident. Besides hyperextension-trauma also axial head-trauma are the most important causes. We had a man in our intensive-care unit two years ago who suffered a C2 fracture just by falling from his Bycicle while he was standing perfectly stil. He survived with quadreplegia."