In a tragic turn of events, the kitesurfing community was shaken by news of a severe accident involving Brandon Scheid, a revered figure in the sport, on November 25th. Scheid, a prominent professional kiteboarder and the spouse of Sensi Graves, experienced a critical paragliding accident in the Gorge of Hood River, Oregon, necessitating emergency air transport to Vancouver, WA.
Brandon Scheid, renowned for his extraordinary athleticism and multiple kiteboarding championships, ventured into paragliding, driven by his passion for adrenaline and a deep understanding of meteorological phenomena. Unfortunately, during a recent paragliding session, a mishap occurred involving his paraglider colliding with a tree, leading to a catastrophic fall. A fellow paraglider and friend, present at the scene, promptly summoned emergency assistance and notified Sensi Graves, who was away in Canada for work.
As of now, Brandon is in stable condition, having survived the remarkable fall. He is currently at OSHU, under intensive care, after initial treatment at South East Vancouver Hospital. His protective gear spared him from more severe spinal injuries, but he faces a series of broken bones, potential facial reconstruction surgery, and an uncertain prognosis regarding brain trauma.
The road to recovery for Brandon is uncertain, with a comprehensive assessment of injuries, recovery duration, possible surgeries, and rehabilitation yet to be established. His insurance offers limited coverage, prompting an appeal for community support. A GoFundMe page has been set up to gather financial aid for Brandon and Sensi during this challenging time. The kitesurfing community, known for its camaraderie and shared passion for high-adrenaline sports, is rallying to support one of their own.
Brandon’s contributions to kitesurfing, through his articles and interviews with this magazine, have been invaluable. His bio, detailing his achievements and impact on the sport, can be found on Kitesurfingmag.com. In these trying moments, any support, whether financial or moral, is deeply appreciated by Brandon, Sensi, and their extended family of athletes and enthusiasts. Donations can be made through the GoFundMe page or directly to Sensi Graves via Venmo at @sensigraves. The community’s solidarity in the face of adversity is a testament to the strong bonds formed through shared passions and experiences.