London, Ont.-area teen paralyzed after pool accident
It’s a cautionary tale that no mother wants to tell, but Beth Mathewson is sharing her story hoping it raises awareness around pool safety.
“It’s a different life now,” says Mathewson as she holds back tears.
On Monday, June 7, a tragic pool accident left her 19-year-old son Connor Mathewson-Webster with spinal injuries.
"He got off work early, he went to a friend's, that he's been to before, to swim -- hot day and somehow from running around and playing with the friend's little nine-year-old brother, and playing with the dog, he went into the pool.”
Mathewson says it's unclear what actually happened, but she was told Connor resurfaced unconscious, and that's when the family pulled Connor out of the water and performed CPR.
"They are the only reason Connor is alive...the way they reacted at getting him to hospital so fast and on ice, they all thought Connor would have significant brain damage, and his brain is OK and it's because of how the father and son all reacted."
Beth Mathewson discusses a pool accident that left her teenage son paralyzed, Thursday, June 17, 2021. (Reta Ismail / CTV News)
Beth Mathewson discusses a pool accident that left her teenage son paralyzed, Thursday, June 17, 2021. (Reta Ismail / CTV News)
Mathewson says Connor has a long road to recovery ahead of him. He will remain in hospital until a bed becomes available at Parkwood Institute, where he will undergo extensive therapy for months.
Family friend Tracey White, who works as an ambulance dispatcher, was actually working on the day of the accident.
"We have to get certain information and I asked for the patient's name. And when I got Connor’s name, of course, my heart sank. I immediately reached out to Beth,” says White.
White organized a GoFundMe campaign to help the family with future costs associated with Connor’s recovery. It has already raised over $40,000.
Mathewson hopes her family's tragedy serves as a reminder that people need to more aware of pool safety.
"Have your water safety, have your buddy system, just have your awareness about you.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Countries struggle to draft 'pandemic treaty' to avoid mistakes made during COVID
After the coronavirus pandemic triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies and killed millions, leaders at the World Health Organization and worldwide vowed to do better in the future. Years later, countries are still struggling to come up with an agreed-upon plan for how the world might respond to the next global outbreak.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland
Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.