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Family of schoolboy critically injured on school camp speak out


The family of a Brisbane boy critically injured on a school camp are keeping a vigil at his hospital bedside.

Sadly there has been no improvement in Connor Pettersen’s condition since he was flown to
Brisbane’s Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital on Wednesday.

He remains unconscious in a critical but stable condition.

The 14-year-old suffered head and neck injuries when he became entangled in a high ropes course while on Year 9 camp at Adventure Alternatives at Woodford, northwest of Brisbane.

Connor Pettersen’s family have maintained a bedside vigil in hospital after he was critically injured. Source: 7 News
Connor Pettersen’s family have maintained a bedside vigil in hospital after he was critically injured. Source: 7 News

The Petterson family said on Thursday afternoon Connor was receiving the best possible care.

They also said “prayers for our son and our family would be greatly appreciated”.

Connor’s school, Marist College Ashgrove, has brought in extra counsellors to support students and staff.

Members of the school community have been sending their thoughts to Connor’s family.

“Wishing him a full and speedy recovery. Bless his family,” one person wrote on Facebook.

“Keeping this student, his family and all who witnessed this tragic accident in my prayers,” another said.

Queensland Health Minister Steven Miles said there was “no doubt there will be a thorough investigation into what happened”.

The student was on a ropes course at Adventure Alternatives Education Centre in Woodford. Source: 7 News
The student was on a ropes course at Adventure Alternatives Education Centre in Woodford. Source: 7 News

“But obviously the focus right now is on his health, the health care that the hospital can provide,” he said.

Adventure Alternatives managing director Todd Samorowski defended his company’s professionalism and safety after the 14-year-old became entangled in high ropes at Stanmore, north of Brisbane.

“This was an unforeseen incident,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

“It had nothing to do with the misuse or failure of any safety equipment, instructional or participant error.

“This incident also had nothing to do with our continued level of safety, our professionalism or the safety of any of the activities we run and will continue to run in the future.”

They later issued another statement removing previous comments.

“It is far too early to speculate on why this occurred but please know we are determined to understand the causes fully and will do whatever is required to prevent something like this occurring again,” the updated statement said.