Makai McNamara “Brought Back To Life” After Serious Head Injury at Pipeline

Renowned Pipeline surfer Makai McNamara is reportedly in stable condition at Queens Hospital following a severe head injury sustained during a wipeout at Pipeline at 9am on Monday morning.

According to multiple eyewitnesses, the incident unfolded after Makai fell awkwardly in the tube on a bumpy left on the inside ledge. Emergency responders, including nearby surfers and lifeguards from the Northshore Lifeguard Association were able to bring his unconscious body to shore despite challenging conditions. 

Mike Latronic, one of the onlookers at the scene, recounted the dramatic moments:

“It was tense moments as the group battled the rip, undertow and crashing waves to get him ashore. He was rushed to Queens Hospital where he is currently in stable condition.”

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A post shared by Makai McNamara (@makaimcnamara)

Landon McNamara, Makai’s younger brother and this year’s Eddie Aikau Big Wave event winner, shared an emotional update on social media. “It was so scary not seeing him come up after falling on that wave. I’m here wishing I did more & got to him faster but I know he was in good hands,” he wrote. Landon continued, “They brought him back to life on the beach. There was life back in his eyes. He spoke words. The last update is he will be kept asleep for the next 72 hours in order to heal the best.”

Makai’s father, Liam McNamara, posted a more recent update this morning:

“Aloha everyone. It’s hard to do this but I think that it’s important that I keep you up to date. Makai is doing well. He’s on his way to recovery, he’s getting very good care here at Queens Hospital. Thank you for saving my son.”

In the last three Hawaiian winter seasons, Pipeline has witnessed multiple life-threatening injuries among top surfers such as Joao Chianca, Kala Grace, Makua Rothman, Billy Kemper, Koa Rothman, Kai Lenny, Nathan Florence, Mason Ho, Joaquin Del Castillo and Eimeo Czermak (twice).