YouTuber Anthony Vella Seriously Injured in 85-Foot Paramotor Crash in Texas

Anthony Vella, a 33-year-old YouTuber, suffered severe injuries after his motorized paraglider plummeted 85 to 100 feet to the ground at 48 mph in Enchanted Rock State Park, Texas. The crash occurred on April 28, 2024, when Vella missed a small tension knot during his pre-takeoff checks, causing the paramotor to suddenly collapse mid-flight.

Vella sustained a fractured neck, back, pelvis, and a shattered right arm in the accident. He bravely shared the entire video of the crash and his ordeal on the ground, capturing his screams of pain as he called for medical assistance. A Good Samaritan who witnessed the incident and Vella's friend arrived within minutes to help remove the paramotor from him.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Vella remained positive and promised to document his recovery journey. "I'm going to make a full recovery," he said in the video. "I'm going to get back into the skies as soon as possible."

Why this matters: Vella's accident highlights the importance of thorough safety checks and proper training in high-risk sports like paramotoring. It also emphasizes the role of quick response from bystanders and emergency services in potentially life-threatening situations.

Vella's wife, Leandra, was informed about the incident and rushed to the scene. Paramedics arrived and provided Vella with morphine to help manage his pain before airlifting him to the hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries for his injuries. Vella emphasized that he doesn't blame the paramotor itself for the crash, but rather the missed knot during his pre-flight checks, serving as a reminder for all pilots to prioritize safety protocols.

Key Takeaways

• YouTuber Anthony Vella suffered severe injuries in a 100-ft paraglider crash in Texas.
• Vella missed a pre-takeoff safety check, causing the paramotor to collapse mid-flight.
• Vella sustained multiple fractures but remained positive about his recovery journey.
• Bystanders and emergency services provided prompt assistance, potentially saving Vella's life.
• The accident underscores the importance of thorough safety checks in high-risk sports.