Christopher Gilbert, a 26-year-old medical student, has broken his silence after being nearly declared brain dead following a near-drowning incident in Farmerville, Louisiana. On April 14, Gilbert was pushed into a lake by his co-worker Cassidy Holland and left struggling for his life for 20 minutes while friends watched. A restaurant patron pulled him from the water and performed CPR, saving his life.
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Opening up about the incident, Gilbert said he does not believe anyone acted with malicious intent and explained that he and his friend, including Holland, were at Rhett’s Tails and Shells restaurant, where they were joking around. The medical student also took out his keys, wallet, and phone and took off his shoes, anticipating being pushed into the water as a playful act. “I thought maybe the water wouldn’t be as deep, and I would kind of hit the ground, get my footing, and shoot up,” he said. However, the water was colder and deeper than expected, which led to his near-drowning. Gilbert’s heart and breathing had stopped by the time Dawson Foust pulled him out and began CPR. Doctors later stated that he was nearly brain-dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The medical student has made a miraculous recovery since the incident, although he is still dealing with memory issues. According to the New York Post, he has expressed frustration with rumors about his brain health, stating, “I hate the claims about me being brain dead or it being some sort of race issue. Who would want a doctor who has suffered brain damage?” Holland, who pushed Gilbert into the lake, said she did not mean to harm him, and the group attempted to save him.
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Gilbert’s family initially considered civil action against the restaurant and questioned why no arrests were made. However, he and his attorney, Aaron Lawrence, do not plan to press charges. Footage from the incident reportedly showed Gilbert’s friends casually watching as he struggled in the water. One friend admitted pushing him and was unaware he couldn’t swim.
Gilbert’s mother, Yolanda George, described how devastated she was upon hearing her son was “brain dead” and recalled the panic when friends called her about the incident.
Despite the ordeal, Gilbert is determined to continue his medical career and plans to return to his job as a bartender and resume studying for the MCAT exam. A GoFundMe page was also set up to help with his medical expenses.
