Skydiver in critical condition but slowly recovering after crash in South Jordan


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LEHI – A terrible skydiving accident leaves a Lehi man in the hospital in critical condition. But his family tells KSL that it's a miracle that he survived at all, and right now, he's showing good signs of recovery.

Austin Measles, 27, who is considered to be a professional skydiver with thousands of jumps over the years, crashed landed on Saturday afternoon at a park in South Jordan. He had just jumped out of a helicopter and planned to meet his family for lunch.

"Some sort of air current caught him, and it kind of picked him up and threw him down," said his sister Whitney Oestreich.

According to Austin Measles's brother, Jackson Measles, he was doing an expert maneuver that he's done many times before and something may have gone wrong.

"It looks like maybe altitude was perhaps misjudged or wind could have played a factor," said Jackson Measles.

The family estimates he hit the ground going about 50 to 80 miles per hour. Austin Measles was flown to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, where he remains in the ICU and in critical condition but is now stable.

Emotions are running high for family and friends.

"There's definitely a lot of hurt, hurt that we didn't know we could experience," said Jackson Measles. "He's definitely my best friend. I rely on him."

But there is hope. Austin Measles shattered many bones but didn't break his neck or spine, and his brain seems to be OK.

"He had opened his eyes, he was nodding, and shaking his head to 'yes' and 'no' questions. He was moving his hands and his legs. So that's a great sign," said Oestreich.

From Saturday:

Another miracle. Jackson Measles says his brother made a last-minute change before his jump, grabbing a bigger parachute, which slowed down his fall.

"We feel that was a miracle in and of itself," said Jackson Measles.

A GoFundMe* has been set up to help Austin Measles and his wife Haylie with medical expenses.


*Disclaimer: KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit or donation you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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