Dana Point Surfer Saved from Paralysis by Quick Actions of Friends
Surfer Scott Muir faced a life-threatening situation during a surfing accident on September 28, 2025, in Oceanside, California. While riding a powerful wave generated by Hurricane Narda, Muir’s head struck a shallow sandbar, resulting in a broken neck and paralysis. Fortunately, the swift actions of fellow surfers Judah Ely and Thomas Alspaugh saved his life, showcasing the importance of camaraderie in sports.
Muir and his friend Dan Pierson had ventured to Oceanside to chase the big waves, finding a relatively quiet spot to surf. The session began with light-hearted interactions among surfers, including Ely and Alspaugh, creating an atmosphere of positivity. Muir recalls a moment of camaraderie as the surfers encouraged one another, transforming what could have been a competitive rivalry into support and friendship.
As the waves rolled in, Muir took his turn and paddled into what he believed would be the wave of the day. Instead, he found himself tumbling headfirst into the water. “I heard this crunch,” Muir said, recalling the moment everything changed. Unable to move, he experienced intense panic as waves continued to crash over him.
Ely, who was observing from nearby, quickly realized something was wrong when Muir did not resurface. “I just saw the board,” he recalled. It took him a moment to comprehend the severity of the situation before he began swimming towards Muir. With the ocean’s visibility hampered by churned-up sand, Ely fought against the waves to locate his friend, ultimately managing to pull Muir to the surface.
Alspaugh, witnessing the rescue, called for additional help. He utilized his experience as a junior lifeguard instructor to stabilize Muir’s spine until lifeguards arrived. “It was pretty instinctual,” Alspaugh stated, highlighting the importance of training in emergency situations.
Once onshore, emergency personnel transported Muir to a hospital, where he underwent surgery. Alspaugh and Ely later reached out to their church for prayers, emphasizing Muir’s role as a family man and provider. The news that Muir’s surgery went well and he was beginning to regain movement was met with relief and joy from his rescuers.
Reflecting on the day’s events, Muir attributed his survival to the positive energy shared among those in the water. “I’m completely convinced the stoke and goodwill in the water is why [Ely] was looking for me,” he stated. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and support in both surfing and everyday life.
Just weeks before his accident, Muir participated in the “Ben Did Go” fundraiser, a 30-mile paddle event promoting ocean safety. The stark contrast between his recent achievement and his current situation has profoundly impacted his perspective.
Muir, who is undergoing rehabilitation in Colorado, remains optimistic about his recovery. As he begins to regain movement in his legs and arms, he expresses gratitude for the community’s support. Donations through his GoFundMe page are assisting his family during this challenging time.
He emphasizes the need for kindness, stating, “Just smile.” In a world often characterized by hostility, Muir’s experience underscores the potential for human connection to make a difference, both in and out of the water. The young surfers who helped him are now considered family, a bond forged through an extraordinary act of bravery.
