British kitesurfer fighting for life after stunt went wrong + Video

by Corey Charlton for Mailonline on 12 Feb 2016 A champion British kitesurfer is today fighting for his life in a coma after he slammed into waves off the coast of South Africa when a stunt went horribly wrong.

British freestyle champion Lewis Crathern, 31, crashed on his back into waves in Cape Town when he became tangled in his wires while 50ft in the air and attempting a 'megaloop'. Crathern, from Worthing, West Sussex, was placed in a medically induced coma following the accident during the Red Bull King of the Air competition.

His mother Sandra, who has flown out to be by his bedside, posted on Facebook: 'Praying Lewis comes out of his induced coma soon, it is tough seeing him like that as any Mum can understand.

'He was in a serious accident in the semi finals of the world championship kiting in South Africa and is in an induced coma.

'He has no internal injuries, brain damage or broken bones as far as they can see but having problems breathing due to the water inhalation. Bless my boy.'

Lewis, who brands himself as the voice of kitesurfing, is a three-time British champion and had reached the semi-final at the competition in Big Bay, Cape Town.

He has also been the compere at the Worthing Birdman competition, and organiser Sharon Clarke said: 'I have worked with him for five years and we were so sad to hear the news. Knowing Lewis he will be back on his feet in no time and we are sending all of our love.

'He is someone who is so positive in the way he thinks and any problems he has he will make sure he fights through.'

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