Senator Sachs Press Conference with Victims of Parasailing Accidents Regarding Parasailing Legislation

 Seventeen-year old Alexis Fairchild was on vacation in Panama City last year when she lifted into the air strapped to a parasail. Moments later, caught in the fierce winds of an approaching storm, she and her teenage friend dangled helplessly after their tow line snapped, hurtling them into a 13-story building and power lines before both teens crashed to the ground.

 

Ms. Fairchild, who suffered a traumatic brain injury from the accident, will join state Senator Maria Sachs (D-Delray) on Thursday to talk about her horrifying experience, and the largely unregulated parasailing industry in the state. Joining them will be Shannon Kraus and Crystal White. Ms. Kraus is the mother of Amber White, a 15-year old Florida teenager killed in a similar parasailing tragedy in 2007. Crystal is Amber’s older sister, who was parasailing with Amber when their tow line also snapped as a storm approached, and suffered permanent brain damage as a result.

 

All of the women are supporting legislation sponsored once again by Senator Sachs for the upcoming session which would improve safety standards and impose certain weather restrictions for parasailing operators.

 

The press conference will be held Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014 at 8:30 a.m. on the Plaza Level  of the Capitol.