Teen Survives Spear Gun Shot Through the Head

I’ve been working on a story about near-death experiences for Realtree.com, interviewing a number of outdoorsmen who’ve had some scary close calls. They’ve experienced bear attacks, gunshot wounds, near drownings and a number of other frightening situations, but this one takes the cake. On June 7, Yasser Lopez, 16, was enjoying a day of spear fishing with his friend on a Florida lake, when somehow he was struck in the head by a spear gun.

Lopez was rushed to the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Hospital conscious and talking, but with 3 feet of a spear imbedded in his skull. When you look at the x-ray image, you can clearly see that the spear went completely through his head.

First of all, I can’t believe he didn’t lose consciousness. Secondly, I can’t believe he didn’t die. Can you imagine what was going through this poor kid’s mind as he’s being transported to the hospital?

Despite this traumatic injury, doctors expect Lopez to make a full recovery, explaining that the spear went through his head at such an angle that it missed his eye and all of the major blood vessels in the brain. It also missed the central brain that controls heart rate and breathing.  Had the spear struck him at any other trajectory, Lopez would have most likely died.

I bet Lopez and his family are counting their blessings today, and chances are, they now believe in miracles as well. So, I’ve gotta know, have any of you had a close call with a spear gun, bow and arrow or any other projectile while hunting or fishing?