July 9, 2025

Colin Tibbs Progresses in Recovery After Severe Injury

News Summary

Nineteen-year-old Colin Tibbs from Kill Devil Hills is showing encouraging signs in his recovery after a serious spinal cord injury suffered during a skimboarding accident. Rescued by bystanders and treated by emergency responders, Tibbs has now left the ICU and is moving to inpatient rehabilitation. His family reports that he has begun speaking and they remain optimistic about his progress. Community support is strong, with vigils planned in his honor, highlighting the importance of safety at local beaches.

Kill Devil Hills: 19-Year-Old Colin Tibbs Makes Progress in Recovery After Severe Spinal Injury from Skimboarding Incident

Colin Tibbs, a 19-year-old from Kill Devil Hills, is making significant strides in his recovery following a serious spinal cord injury sustained during a skimboarding accident on June 24. Tibbs was discovered floating face down in the ocean near the Avalon Fishing Pier around 5:54 p.m., prompting immediate emergency response.

Beachgoers reported the incident through multiple 911 calls. Randy Tillett, a bystander, played a crucial role by pulling Tibbs from the water and along with Makaiya Davis Lockhart and Sam Zak conducted CPR until emergency personnel arrived on the scene. The swift actions of these individuals were vital in averting further tragedy.

The Kill Devil Hills Police Department, Fire Department, Ocean Rescue, and Dare County EMS responded promptly to the emergency calls. A police officer provided essential first aid before Tibbs was transported to Outer Banks Health Hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later airlifted by Dare MedFlight to another facility for advanced treatment.

As of now, Colin Tibbs has left the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and is preparing for a transition to an inpatient rehabilitation center. His family has reported that he has started speaking again and they are optimistic about his further recovery. They have expressed hope that he will soon be able to consume liquids, marking an important step in his rehabilitation. Family members describe Tibbs as being in good spirits and determined to confront the challenges ahead.

The community has rallied around Tibbs during this difficult time, planning three vigils to support him and his family. The first vigil is set for Thursday, July 10th at 6:30 p.m., allowing friends and supporters to come together in solidarity.

The Town of Kill Devil Hills has expressed appreciation for the quick and coordinated response from bystanders and emergency responders during the incident. These actions not only saved a life but also highlighted the importance of beach safety and community vigilance.

In light of this incident, officials have reminded residents and visitors of the critical role that Ocean Rescue lifeguards play during the summer months, as they are on duty daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This service aims to ensure the safety of beachgoers and prevent future accidents.

As Colin Tibbs continues his recovery journey, the support from his family, friends, and community serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement. The enhanced awareness and safety measures prompted by this incident may contribute to a safer environment for all who visit the beautiful beaches of Kill Devil Hills.

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Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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