safety
‘Just a little too shallow’: Husband suffers catastrophic spinal cord injury in diving accident on July 4
By KGNS — Sitewide
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
FARGO, N.D. (KVLY/Gray News) — A Minnesota man is in the ICU after a diving accident at his family’s lake house on July 4 left him with a catastrophic spinal cord injury.Colin Bales, a physical therapist and Air National Guard member, was airlifted to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota...
Key takeaway (KVLY/Gray News) — A Minnesota man is in the ICU after a diving accident at his family’s lake house on July 4 left him with a catastrophic spinal cord injury.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The devastating accident involving Colin Bales serves as a stark reminder for Laredo residents to exercise caution when engaging in water activities, particularly during summer months when swimming and diving are more frequent. As a community that values outdoor recreation, it's crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with diving in shallow waters. The significant medical expenses incurred by the Bales family, estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million, also highlight the importance of having adequate health insurance coverage and financial planning in place. Furthermore, the need for specialized spinal cord rehabilitation facilities, such as Craig Hospital in Denver, underscores the limited availability of such resources in our local area, making it essential for our community to support initiatives that promote water safety and provide access to quality healthcare services.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? FARGO, N.D. (KVLY/Gray News) — A Minnesota man is in the ICU after a diving accident at his family’s lake house on July 4 left him with a catastrophic spinal cord injury.Colin Bales, a physical therapist and Air National Guard member, was airlifted to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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