Photographer left fighting for life after plunging 200 feet off cliff reveals how he survived

Photographer left fighting for life after plunging 200 feet off cliff reveals how he survived San Diego travel influencer Kyle Quin Schrock suffered devastating injuries after an incident while climbing in Portugal, including a broken back, ribs and sternum - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A U.S. photographer left fighting for life after falling 200 feet from a cliff while climbing has revealed how he survived the near-fatal plunge. Kyle Quin Schrock, known to his one million followers online as @everchanginghorizon, says he suffered a broken back, ribs and sternum during the incident in Madeira, Portugal earlier this month. Posting a video of himself in a hospital bed to his Instagram account, the Californian could be seen wearing an oxygen mask over his face as he described his ordeal. “I thought it was my death,” he said. “But eventually got caught on a piece of grass, like a little bush,” he continued, explaining how his fall was ultimately broken. “Did not feel strong enough for me to get caught on; I was very surprised.” Shrock - who previously quit his job as an accountant to travel the world - heard a voice from further up the cliff saying they could see him and helicopters were on their way. “I just had to last it out, figure out how not to fall off that cliff,” he said. “Because it felt like it was a really precarious situation. Did not feel like it was strong enough to hold me.” Describing his current condition as he faces a long recovery, added: “I am in extreme amounts of pain. My back is broken, my ribs are broken, my sternum is broken. “I am alive. I’m grateful to be alive, grateful to have friends that called the life flight for me,” he said, referring to the emergency air helicopter that took him to hospital for life-saving treatment. “They did an awesome job.” His sister-in-law Tara Schrock wrote in a GoFundMe campaign the October 11 fall occurred after the ground gave way beneath him. “He was airlifted to the hospital, where he is still in the ICU waiting for spinal surgery, the healing of his broken ribs, and the draining of his lungs,” she explained. “He has a long road to recovery with travel assistance, rehabilitation and further medical needs in the USA. He will also not be able to work for months.” The campaign has so far raised more than $12,000 towards Shrock’s rehabilitation and medical treatment in the U.S. Before becoming a travel influencer and photographer, he had a more traditional career, having graduated from Brigham Young University-Hawaii with a degree in accountancy in 2014. “I was an accountant who spent my days dreaming of adventure,” he previously told The Daily Mail. “Eventually, all the daydreaming convinced me that if I never got out and traveled, I would regret it. “I’d definitely recommend this lifestyle to anyone and to any budding photographers I’d encourage them to strive to capture different angles and get a unique style.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments