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A tragic report out of New Zealand has waterskiing fans of the world in mourning.
According to a local New Zealand news report, Cornelius Van Deursen, a businessman from Waikato and renowned water ski champion, died in a skiing accident on Lake Taupo. The 57-year old Van Deursen had been skiing at speeds in excess of 150 kilometers per hour, when he lost control, fell, and broke his neck. He had been participating in a National Master's Class Race, when he apparently "got into difficulties" and fell. Emergency staff rushed him to Taupo Hospital, but he passed away during the afternoon. Local police are investigating the circumstances of the disaster.
Sadly, Mr. Van Deursen's daughter, Olivia, had broken her neck as well in a remarkably similar waterskiing accident just several months prior. 34-year old Olivia, who is credited with "numerous national water ski racing titles," recovered from the neck injury but apparently has given up water ski racing.
Water ski racing is a highly volatile sport, and many water skiers exceed 150 kilometers per hour regularly. Although water skiers use harnesses, goggles, and helmets to reduce the hazards of impact, the sport is not without its dangers.
Indeed, from a certain perspective, it is remarkable that so many skiers can engage in the sport without injury. After all, human beings are still, for all intents and purposes, biologically adapted to live during paleolithic times. Back then, the top speed a person could achieve was probably around 20 miles per hour during a dead sprint. That technology has empowered human beings to engage in racing events (on the water, no less), where we can regularly exceed our "natural speed limit" by factors of six or seven should both impress and serve as a warning against hubris.
Of course, boat accidents and maritime injuries are often extremely complicated cases. Victims may be entitled to substantial compensation for injuries, time off of work, medical bills, and therapy, but they often need to work together with an experienced, efficient law firm to cultivate the right arguments and build an air tight case.
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a boat accident or a lake accident, connect with the team at Vujasinovic & Beckcom at www.maritimeaccidentattorney.com, or dial (888) 724-7800 now for a free consultation.
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