A beach day turns tragic for Durban teen Tylor Pillay

A beach day turns tragic for Durban teen Tylor Pillay

Tylor Pillay didn't know that a beach visit with his family would result in a freak accident that would leave him paralysed. 

A young teenage boy wearing a neck brace sitting on the wheelchair
A young teenage boy wearing a neck brace sitting on the wheelchair/BackABuddy website

Families love to gather at the beach in Durban

It is common for Durbanites and holidaymakers to visit the beach during the December holidays. The beach is loved by many, but also poses many dangers. 

These dangers often go unnoticed. An example of one of these unforeseen dangers occurred last December when 17-year-old Tylor Pillay visited the beach with his family. 

On the 15th of December 2023, Tylor was "hit by a wave that broke his vertebra (resulting in a C4 spinal cord injury), leaving the ambitious teen paralysed." (Rising Sun Newspaper)

Tylor has no mobility from his neck to his feet. This freak accident wasn't something that anyone would've been prepared for when visiting the beach. It was a shock for Tylor and his family, who have been trying to help him transition into his new life.  

He requires a motorised wheelchair, medical devices, and supplies to assist in his daily routine.

Tylor has been described as an ambitious, helpful, and kindhearted young man with dreams and aspirations. However, due to his injuries, he has become entirely reliant on assisted care and moving around in a motorised wheelchair.  

Who knew that an innocent day out at the beach could result in such a tragic way? 

Tylor's family has started a Back A Buddy campaign for him and has raised considerable money thus far, equating to R35,100. But for him to navigate around his injuries, they need a quarter of a million Rand. 

Tylor's life changed instantly, but that doesn't mean he cannot pursue his dreams and goals.

Carol podcasts
East Coast Radio

Follow us on social media: 

HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO

  1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
  2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
  3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet, channel 836. 
  4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your Openview decoder and browse to channel 606
  5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa

Image Courtesy of Backabuddy

Check out more from East Coast Radio


Show's Stories