Jayden Broome had just returned from Christchurch, where he captained the Southland Under-19 team, when the accident happened.
Jayden Broome had just returned from Christchurch, where he captained the Southland Under-19 team, when the accident happened.
A talented rugby player who suffered head injuries in a rooftop fall will be transferred back to Dunedin Hospital after showing small but hopeful signs of recovery.
The 19-year-old Southland rugby player and University of Otago student Jayden Broome suffered critical injuries after falling from thea flat roof on September 9.
Broome slipped and fell while climbing onto the Big Red flat at the corner of Castle St and Dundas St to take a photo with friends, hitting his head on the concrete footpath.
Broome is to be transferred to Dunedin Hospital two weeks after suffering head injuries in a rooftop fall.
“They’re going as good as they can be in a situation that they’re in,” he said.
While Broome remains unconscious, Murray said doctors had noted some progress.
The rugby community has rallied around Broome, a talented player, during his recovery.
“He’s still unconscious, but he’s responding to some commands from the doctors.”
“He opens his eyes every once in a while and goes back to sleep.”
The wider community has rallied around the young player, who earlier this year captained the Southland under-19s and joined the Rugby Southland academy.
“Everybody’s getting behind them - the rugby community, University of Otago.
“Everyone’s getting behind them and showing amazing support,” Murray said.
Otago University Rugby took to social media to express support for Broome.
“Jayden is a proud member of our community and an even prouder Southlander,” a post read.
“We pray for him and his family and trust his fight and heart get him through.”
A University of Otago spokesperson said staff were supporting the student, his whānau and students to ensure they had the care and assistance they needed.
“Our thoughts are with the student and his whānau during this extremely difficult time.”
