Teen paralyzed after falling from power pole

Friday, October 2, 2009

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A family spokesperson says Alexander Davidson, 16, is paralyzed after falling 35 feet from a power pole. (Photo courtesy of Michael Barnett) Watch the story Watch Video

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A 16-year-old boy is in critical condition at Tampa General Hospital after being shocked and falling 35 feet from a power pole.

Alexander Davidson, also known as Avi, is paralyzed and suffering from numerous other internal injuries, according to family spokesperson Michael Barnett.

Davidson also suffered burns on 50 percent of his body after climbing the pole at the Northdale soccer field to take a photograph. The teenager had recently taken up the hobby.

TECO Safety Manager Rick Rodriguez says power poles are very dangerous.

"Electricity is something you don't want to mess with," he said.

The line Davidson touched carries more than 7,000 volts of electricity.

"Electricity is looking for a ground, if you don't have a ground it's just a flash. The flash is detrimental," he said. "Also thousands of degrees of heat instantly that's what causes the massive burns we get from a contact."

Those who know Davidson well are dealing with what happened.

"It's devastating to hear what happened to him especially we appreciate him so much, when we work he's like a family," said Nelson Torres, his former technical theater teacher at Blake High School. "He's a very talented, enthusiastic, passionate young man. He loves the arts. He's always in search of finding new ways of expressing himself."

Bay News 9 put in a request to speak to Avi's parents, but a hospital spokesperson said because of his condition they are staying close by his side.

Donations

Barnett says the family has setup a fund to help pay for Avi's expenses at TJFS, 13009 Community Campus Drive, Tampa, Fl 33625. Donations can be made via the website at www.tjfs.org please indicate Avi in the comment section.