One Split-Second Decision Changed Everything

Matt Naysmith was 21, living his dream life working as a diesel mechanic up north, and about to take off on an around-the-world trip he’d been saving hard for. Life was good.

To celebrate, he and a bunch of mates planned a party at the stunning Karijini National Park — think epic waterfalls, good vibes, and no responsibilities for the day. But what started as a chill catch-up with friends turned into a moment that changed Matt’s life forever.

“I was in hero-mode,” he says, remembering the drinks flowing and his confidence sky-high. “There was no one egging me on — I just thought I could do anything.”

Fueled by alcohol and adrenaline, Matt climbed up a waterfall. But the rocks were wet and slippery. He lost his footing and fell headfirst into the gorge below.

The impact broke his neck.

It took his friends and emergency services over three hours to get him out and to hospital. He was flown to Perth where doctors delivered the news no one ever wants to hear: his spinal cord was severed. He would never walk again.

“At first I didn’t get it. I thought, ‘I’ll be fine — I’ll bounce back.’ But I had no clue what a spinal injury really meant. I had no idea what I was in for.”

Now, Matt says that version of himself — the fun-loving, carefree guy with big dreams — disappeared that day.

“That person died when I broke my neck. I lost who I wanted to become — all in one second.”

Matt’s story is a powerful reminder of how one risky decision, especially when alcohol is involved, can have life-altering consequences.