Surfing Legend Sunny Garcia Hospitalized, in Intensive Care Amid Depression Battle

[MagnoliaMountain]

Surfing Legend Sunny Garcia Hospitalized and in Intensive Care Amid Depression Battle

Early reports suggested the former world champion, who has been candid about his mental health struggles in the past, had died, but the World Surf League confirmed his hospitalization Tuesday.

“With heavy hearts we confirm that Sunny Garcia is in the ICU in the hospital,” the organization wrote. “Sunny has always been a great champion of surfing, both in and out of the water. Our prayers are with him and his loved ones at this deeply challenging time.”

The 49-year-old, whose real name is Vincent Sennen Garcia, was hospitalized just hours after sharing an emotional Instagram post.

“If I told this kid the things he would go through and things he would achieve he would tell me I’m crazy,” he captioned a photo of himself as a teenager, smiling and holding a snow cone. “Wow it’s been a crazy ride since this photo was taken.”[...]

In December 2014, Garcia opened up about his struggles with depression in another Instagram post that included the hashtags “#needhelp” and “#whatswrongwithme.”

 

[enelram]

Oh, this is so sad. I hope he didn't do something to harm himself.
Hope he pulls through and can get the right help. Such a battle.

 

[MagnoliaMountain]

It definitely sounds to me like he may have attempted to take his own life, sadly.

 

[MagnoliaMountain]

Surfer Sunny Garcia Has 'Said a Few Words' Months After Being Hospitalized Amid Depression Battle

 

[AzPistonsGirl]

from that ^^^ article:

Twisselman shared in an interview with the Intertia that Garcia is no longer in a coma and is able to move on his own, adding “he’s been working out on a stationary bike, assisted, and he’s definitely able to hear voices and track people and read people’s hands.”


“He’s saying words, he’s not totally audible, but he’s gaining his motor functions, working on physical movements and brain functionality and auditory processes. It’s just a really long recovery road,” she added.

I hope he finds light at the end of his recovery.