SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — What began as an attempt to save two children caught in a dangerous ocean rip current has left a Bay Area father facing a life-changing recovery.
Josh Collette, 42, of Concord, jumped into the ocean in San Clemente about two weeks ago after seeing two children struggling in a rip current.
The children ultimately made it out safely.
Collette, however, suffered a devastating injury during the rescue when he struck his head on a sandbar. The impact caused a severe spinal cord injury, leaving the father of five paralyzed from the neck down.
He is now recovering in a hospital, unable to move his body or speak out loud. Despite the enormous challenges ahead, his family says Collette continues to focus on gratitude and staying positive.
‘This Is Hard,’ Collette Says From Hospital
Collette’s daughter, Grace, has been helping communicate with her father as he recovers.
“He wants to talk and I’ll translate,” Grace said, relaying her father’s message.
“This is hard. This is hard, but what? It’s bearable. Because I’m held up by your love.”
For Grace, her father’s determination is hardly surprising.
She described Collette as someone who has always been willing to help others and said his instinct to step in during the ocean emergency reflects the person he has always been.
“I’m honestly not surprised my dad is such a hero,” Grace said. “He thrives off of helping others and serving others and saving the day.”
Now, the same family that has relied on Collette for strength is standing beside him as he begins a dramatically different chapter of his life.
Friends Remember Collette’s Love of the Ocean
Collette’s longtime friends in Clayton, California, say the ocean has been a major part of his life for decades.
Growing up, Collette and his friends developed a strong connection through surfing. They helped establish the surf club at Clayton Valley High School and spent many weekends surfing in Santa Cruz.
Friend Danny Leininger said being active and spending time in the ocean was a major source of happiness for Collette.
“Being out surfing, just being physical, is what brought him joy,” Leininger said.
That history makes his current condition especially difficult for the people who have known him for most of his life.
Yet his longtime friends say the same personality that drew him toward helping others remains visible even as he faces severe physical limitations.
Hometown Friends Rally Around Father of Five
Another longtime friend, David Nieman, said Collette knows how strongly his friends and family are supporting him.
“He knows how much we love him, all the OG’s here in Clayton, and we’re praying for him and rooting for him, and it’s not the end of his story,” Nieman said.
Nieman added that Collette’s personality continues to shine through despite his inability to communicate normally.
“Still, you see that spark and charisma and empathy and light that just shines through even though he can barely talk.”
That support has become especially important as Collette and his family prepare for the challenges ahead.
Family Faces Long Road to Recovery
Collette’s family is now dealing with the medical and long-term care challenges that come with his severe spinal injury.
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A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help the family manage mounting medical bills and other expenses associated with his recovery and future care.
His loved ones say they are hoping for a miracle while also understanding that the road ahead could be long and difficult.
Grace said her father remains determined to adapt to whatever comes next.
“He’s so positive and he’s gonna push through and make it work, whatever he has to do,” she said.
‘I’m a Fighter’: Collette Remains Hopeful
Despite being paralyzed from the neck down, Collette has continued to express gratitude for the people surrounding him.
“I feel the love, thank you so much,” he communicated through translation. His final message reflected the determination his family and friends say has always defined him.
“I’m a fighter and I’ll do everything I can. If I can stay alive and keep my kids and keep my faith, then this will be a blessing.”
For now, Collette’s family is focused on supporting him through each stage of his recovery while his friends continue to rally around the father who risked himself to help two children survive a dangerous situation in the ocean.
What do you think about Josh Collette’s bravery in jumping into the ocean to save the two children? Share your thoughts and send your support to his family in the comments.