Teenager ‘left in hospital with broken back’ after incident at Gloriavale

Joanne Naish | The Press |

A Gloriavale teenager was left with a broken back following an incident at the community’s youth group.

Police confirmed they were investigating what happened at the Haupiri community on Saturday afternoon.

The 17-year-old’s mother, who asked not to be named, said initial reports that a 21-year-old jumped on her son’s back were incorrect.

She said no-one else witnessed the incident.

“He was not jumped on. It was just a total accident. They were just fooling around and the young man picked him up to prove how strong he was and was walking around with him when he tripped and fell,” she said.

Continue reading: Teenager left in hospital with broken back