Robert Hays soared to fame as the reluctant hero who saves a jetliner from disaster in the comedy classic "Airplane." But these days the comedy actor is starring in a real life drama after he broke his neck in a freak body surfing accident.
In an exclusive interview with INSIDE EDITION, Hays spoke of how he was sucked underwater by strong waves while surfing in Hawaii, and smashed his head on a sandbar.
Hays broke the same vertebra that left his good friend Christopher reeve paralyzed and in a wheelchair.
"I though about Chris being in the wheelchair and I thought about how incredibly lucky I was," Hays said.
Amazingly Hays had the presence of mind to hold his head in place during the 40-minute ride to the hospital.
"I grabbed my head and cradled my chin in my hands and had my fingers up the side of my head and just stabilized my head," Hays explained.
Hays' neurosurgeon, Dr. Patrick Rhoten, said the actor's quick thinking saved him from spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair.
"Believe it or not, what he did may have made the difference between being paralyzed or not paralyzed," Dr. Rhoten told INSIDE EDITION.
But recovery was difficult and painful for Hays. Doctors attached a bizarre looking device called a halo to stabilize his head and neck. He had to wear it 24 hours a day for three straight months, enduring plenty of jokes from friends and fans.
Tiny scars are still visible where the halo was literally screwed into his skull. Hays is no longer in pain, but he's wearing a device that electronically stimulates the body to increase the healing process.
Asked if he would be willing to go surfing again, Hays enthusiastically said he would. "I've had so many people say 'I guess you not going surfing.' I think 'why?'"
Posting Permissions
Bookmarks