The family of a woman who suffered life-altering injuries last year has spoken out about the "relentless abuse and criticism" they are all facing.
Shylah Rodden, the enduring and tenacious survivor of a harrowing roller coaster accident at Melbourne Royal Show, is making significant strides in her recovery, much to her family’s relief.
The traumatic incident occurred in September 2022, leaving Shylah - who was 26 at the time - essentially “trapped in her own body" according to her loved ones.
Shylah was critically injured while retrieving her cell phone from the tracks of the Rebel Coaster, after losing it during a prior ride. This retrieval attempt led to a devastating collision with the roller coaster, believed to be moving at approximately 70 km/h.
She was propelled nine meters into the air before falling to the ground, all witnessed by aghast onlookers.
The severe, multifaceted injuries, left the then-26-year-old in a critical condition. Alan Rodden, Shylah’s father, conveyed the profound extent of her injuries to Daily Mail Australia, stating: "Even the doctors have said they haven't seen anything as bad as this for a long time."
A year post-incident, Shylah is battling a challenging road to recovery, replete with extensive rehabilitation due to a substantial brain injury. Nevertheless, she continues “defying the odds,” filling her family with hope. Her mother, Kylie, expressed profound gratitude for her daughter's ongoing recovery in a statement via their attorney. "She has defied the odds and is now walking, talking, and doing things that we were told by doctors, may not be possible," Kylie said.
However, amidst the remarkable progress in Shylah's recovery, the Rodden family has been navigating through a torrent of “relentless abuse and criticism.”
Per 9News, Kylie's statement adds that the positive news of her daughter's recovery is being marred by comments from cruel trolls.
"What happened was a tragic accident, which as a family we've had to deal with," said the devastated mom.
"To be hearing and reading the negative comments made in the media and on social media has been hurtful to Shylah and our family," the mother added. "This sort of negativity has a real impact on the progress that has been made. We've done our best to shield Shylah from these comments, as so much of it has been misguided and, in many instances, cruel.
"Unfortunately, Shylah has seen these comments and they really affect her."
Despite the challenges, the Rodden family remains steadfast, emphasizing Shylah's remarkable recovery and unwavering spirit.
The family’s attorney, Sharlene Mehta of Arnold Thomas Becker, asserted that the outcomes of the ongoing Work Safe investigations into the accident are highly anticipated as "the accident has had far-reaching impacts on Shylah and her family."
We wish Shylah the very best on her continued recovery journey.
