MURRIETA – A local high school football player is back home after a frightening injury during a varsity game earlier this month. Kainoa Ching, a junior middle linebacker for Vista Murrieta High School, suffered a severe spinal injury on Oct. 3 and was moved from the intensive care unit to his home this past week to continue his recovery.
The injury happened during the first quarter of the game against rival Chaparral High School. Ching, a 6-foot-1, 230-pound athlete, collided with another player while making a tackle. Medical staff immobilized him on the field before he was transported to a local hospital. A team physician reported at the time that Ching had some movement in his arms and legs while being placed into the ambulance.
Following the injury, Ching underwent a successful surgery. His family shared that after several days in the ICU, he is now resting at home. In a recent update, the family expressed their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community. While they have requested privacy during this time, they plan to release a more detailed statement soon.
The community has rallied strongly behind the Ching family. A GoFundMe campaign organized by team boosters has raised nearly $40,000 to assist with medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and family support needs. Organizers described Kainoa as a hardworking student and a loyal friend with great determination and passion for his sport.
The incident had a significant emotional impact on his teammates. Vista Murrieta’s head coach, Coley Candaele, told the media that the team had difficulty regaining focus after halftime, as their thoughts remained on their injured teammate. The support for Kainoa continues to grow as he begins the next phase of his recovery journey at home.
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