Marblehead teen left paralyzed after accident on class trip

MARBLEHEAD, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) –A Marblehead teen is fighting to recover Thursday after an accident left him paralyzed in France.

Marblehead High School senior Ben Farrar was on the beach with fellow students Sunday when he decided to go for a swim.

“He dove into the water and didn't know how shallow it was. He broke his C5 vertebrae,” his best friend Andrew Gilliland said.

Gilliland wasn't on the trip and is heartbroken.

“He was face down in the water and unable to breathe. They thought he was just playing a joke,” he said.

Another one of the teen's friend's, Ben Goldberg said, “To me you would think he would be the last person that this would happen to.”

Ben's family and friends started a Facebook page for him and they're keeping everyone posted from his bedside. Back in the states, Gilliland is starting another page for his buddy, hoping that he'll soon be able to open his eyes and read the messages.

Farrar was well known to everyone around town as a tough guy who loved to work out. They are all hoping for a speedy recovery for him.

Cox Media Group