How A Rogue Tent Broke The Back Of ESM Photo Editor, Nate Adams

For the last handful of years, Nate Adams has been sojourning down to Jamaica to shoot photos and support the thriving local scene around Bull Bay. The photo editor for Eastern Surf Magazine (ESM), he’s captured some amazing moments and done his part in sharing the good vibes of the area.

During his latest trip to the Caribbean island over the Christmas/New Year holidays, however, Adams suffered a broken back in a freak accident. As it was relayed by fellow photographer Jon Steele (traveling with Adams at the time), Adams was on the beach shooting photos when the wind began began to howl. One strong gust picked up a large event tent that was being set up nearby and slammed into Adams’ back. The impact fractured three vertebrae and a tent pole caused severe lacerations on the top of his head.

Incapacitated, Adams was found several minutes later when somebody discovered blood coming out from under the tent. He was immediately taken to a nearby medical facility for attention, but the fractured vertebrae were not initially detected. He was later taken to a hospital in Kingston, where he was eventually rushed into surgery on January 1.

As of the writing of this, Adams prognosis appears to be positive. He remained in the hospital for several days waiting to be cleared by the doctors so he could fly home to Florida. He’s now returned home, where he’ll begin the recovery and rehabilitation process.

Being a true blooded surf photog, Adams was traveling on a shoestring budget without much of a safety net. To help him out, a GoFundMe campaign has been setup to raise cash to offset the cost of his medical costs and other expenses.

“Nate is a hard worker and a loyal friend with an amazing heart and a positive attitude. He will drop anything to help a friend in need without ever expecting something in return,” reads the GoFundMe description. “Nate is in need of our prayers as well as our financial support. Let’s pull together as his friends and family by giving any amount that God puts on your heart to help with medical bills and to cover everyday living expenses as he will be out of work for a while on this road to recovery.”

“I want to thank everybody for the overwhelming amount of love and support during such a trying time,” wrote Adams on Instagram. “I’m home safe now with a long road ahead of me to full recovery but I am super motivated to continue fighting the fight to get back to being strong and healthy again! I won’t be able to do much other than rest and heal for a while as I have three fractured vertebrae in my neck and upper back with a plate fusing everything in place after taking some of my hip bone to ensure the strongest bond! I am beyond grateful and thankful and blessed that isn’t worse but having such an amazing amount of support and love I’m going to get through this despite how difficult it’s going to be!”

If you’d like to toss Nate a few coins, head here.