A 16-year-old is recovering in at the Oklahoma University Medical Center after plunging 3,500 feet during a birthday skydiving leap Saturday.
Makenzie Wethington fractured her pelvis, cracked her vertebrae, and endured internal bleeding following the jump CBS television station in Dallas Fort-Worth KTVT reported Tuesday.
"Number one, we didn't think she'd survive," Mackenzie Wethington's sister Meagan told KTVT. "The whole first 24 hours, we were in the consultation room. We thought she was not going to get through it, but all the bleeding stopped and she's pushing her way through," told KTVT.
"I don't think she should have been allowed at 16 to go up there and perform that type of jump, no matter what I say or she says, she shouldn't have been allowed," Joe Wethington, Makenzie's father told KTVT. "I find it very hard to believe that the rules and regulations in Oklahoma are that lax. I think there is a flaw there somewhere, and I don't think it's through the state of Oklahoma. I think it's the company. I'm not sure," Joseph told KTVT.
Wethington was with Makenzie throughout the endeavor, a first for both.
The two did a six hour training course prior to flying to a high altitude and jumping off into the air on the way to the ground.
Joe went first, and then monitored his daughter's turn while on land after a safe touch down.
Makenzie's parachute did not open all the way, and twisted together losing air KTVT.
Makenzie was already near the surface of the earth when she tried to draw back the parachute's backup chord KTVT reported.
"Makenzie, stay in there," Makenzie's friend Danielle proclaimed to her via KTVT, whose last name was not listed. "Stay strong. We all love you, and can't wait to see your face."
